![A person holding their back due to lower back pain](https://www.mmu.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/page_header_half/public/2021-03/CES-and-litigation_0.jpg?h=bb941b98&itok=qzlgMneX)
Research: Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) and litigation
Exploring the lived experiences of UK physiotherapists involved in Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) litigation cases.
Project summary, videos, blogs and research outputs
Research summary
- June 2020 to June 2022
Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) is a rare neurological condition affecting the nerves in the lower back.
CES has devastating consequences. Approximately 20% of patients have a poor outcome due to misdiagnosis or delays in treatment, which has led to an increase in litigation cases.
Advanced practice physiotherapy roles are increasing, meaning physiotherapists are increasingly involved in CES litigation claims. This may negatively impact physiotherapists, patients, the profession and the NHS.
Aim
To explore the lived experiences of UK physiotherapists in relation to CES and litigation to:
- support them in their role
- understand their potential training needs
- ensure their health and wellbeing
Methodology
We are using a mixed-methods approach consisting of:
- Phase 1: Scoping literature review, freedom of information requests and correspondence with stakeholders.
- Phase 2: Interpretative qualitative design to explore the lived experiences of physiotherapists involved in CES litigation cases. Interviews will also be undertaken with CES stakeholders to gain a holistic understanding.
- Phase 3: A national survey to investigate the views from the wider physiotherapy profession
Critical friend group: Living with CES and our involvement in the project
-
Emma Willis
-
Gareth Hogan
-
Janene Holway
Research outputs
Academic papers
-
Yeowell, G, Leech, R, Greenhalgh, S, Selfe, J et al (2023) The lived experiences of UK physiotherapists involved in Cauda Equina Syndrome litigation. A qualitative study. PLOS ONE
-
Leech, RL, Ball, S, Greenhalgh, S, Hogan, G, Holway, J, Selfe, J, Willis, E and Yeowell, G (2021) A scoping review protocol: Investigating the extent and legal process of Cauda Equina Syndrome claims for UK physiotherapists. Musculoskeletal Care
-
Leech, RL, Ball, S, Greenhalgh, S, Hogan, G, Holway, J, Selfe, J, Willis, E and Yeowell, G (2021) A scoping review: Investigating the extent and legal process of cauda equina syndrome claims for UK physiotherapists. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice
-
Yeowell, G, Leech, R, Greenhalgh, S, Selfe, J et al (2022) Medico-legal litigation of UK physiotherapists in relation to cauda equina syndrome: a multimethods study The BMJ
Other publications
- Yeowell, G, Greenhalgh, S and Selfe, J (2022) NLR0010 - NHS litigation reform UK Parliament Committees
- Hunt, J (2022) NHS litigation reform report House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee
Resources
- Yeowell G, Leech R, Greenhalgh S, Willis E, Selfe J. (2022) Keep calm and carry on: I have received a clinical negligence claim – what do I do?
Keep calm and carry on: I have received a clinical negligence claim – what do I do?
Yeowell G, Leech R, Greenhalgh S, Willis E, Selfe J. (2022)CES and litigation in UK Physiotherapy - Online event
Dissemination event for the Cauda Equina Syndrome and Litigation in UK project(14th December 2022, Online)
Other cauda equina syndrome resources
- Cauda Equina information cards
- Finucane, L, Greenhalgh, S, Leech, R and Selfe, J et al (2020) International Framework for red flags for potential serious spinal pathologies JOSPT. 50(7):350-372
- Greenhalgh, S, Selfe, J and Yeowell, G Back pain costs the NHS nearly £5 billion, physiotherapists have an ever-increasing role to play in relieving strain on services, News story, Manchester Met
Cauda equina syndrome video resources
When you should seek urgent help for your back pain
A video to help individuals with back pain look out for signs and symptoms that may suggest the presence of something more serious.CES: A surgical emergency
Hear from Dr Sue Greenhalgh and a team of consultant physiotherapists on how to identify and act on CES in the clinical setting.Research team
Research team
Lead researchers
Co-researchers
- Emma Willis
- Dr Sue Greenhalgh
- Prof James Selfe
Senior research assistant
Collaborating with:
- Critical friend group: Janene Holway, Gareth Hogan, Suzanne Ball
- Ruth Sephton, steering committee chair
Funding
With funding from
![The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Charitable Trust logo](/sites/default/files/styles/logo_scalable/public/2021-02/The%20Chartered%20Society%20of%20Physiotherapy%20Charitable%20Trust%20logo.jpg?itok=wLcsQCnV)
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Charitable Trust
Contact
Contact us
For general enquiries about our physiotherapy research group, you can contact research lead Prof James Selfe.
Project enquiries
If you have a question about this project or would like to get involved in our research, contact Dr Gillian Yeowell.