Scientific approach, attitudes, and perspectives on research among Swedish physiotherapy students-a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Scientific evidence is important to evidence-based practice. Hence, the application of evidence-based practice requires relevant skills and an understanding of science, which therefore need to be learned and trained during the undergraduate program in physiotherapy. The aim of this study was to investigate attitudes, perceived competence, and conditions for a scientific approach among physiotherapy students in Sweden, and to compare attitudes and perceived competence between students in different program years. METHODS: Physiotherapy students from six universities (n = 1499) were invited to respond to a digital survey. The survey contained questions regarding attitudes toward science, perceived competence in research interpretations and open comments regarding requirements for a strengthened scientific approach during education. Comparisons between education years were performed with ANOVA/Kruskal‒Wallis test (scale outcomes) and logistic regression (binary outcomes). RESULTS: A total of 466 students responded to the survey. In total, 57% (n = 266) of the students had a high interest in science. No significant difference in interest in science was found between students in the three program years, but 75% (n = 347) reported increased interest during the program. A perceived high ability to understand the structure and performance of scientific studies was reported by 31% (n = 144), to evaluate the methodology by 16% (n = 72) and to interpret statistical results from scientific studies by 12% (n = 55). The lowest perceived competence was reported among students in their second year (p < 0.05). A majority of the students (88%; n = 410) reported a perceived personal need for strengthened conditions for a scientific approach, with suggested prerequisites during education via increased theoretical and applied understanding of the research. CONCLUSION: Even though this study does not fully cover physiotherapy students at all undergraduate programmes in Sweden, the results support that a scientific approach and training should be strengthened during education to enable physiotherapists to understand and interpret science and to fully apply an evidence-based approach in upcoming clinical practice. Both theoretical and applied knowledge and understanding are needed.

Evaluation and students' perception of a health equity education program in physical therapy: a mixed methods pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Health equity is a common theme discussed in health professions education, yet only some researchers have addressed it in entry-level education. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to serve as an educational intervention pilot to 1) evaluate students' perception of the effectiveness of the DPT program in providing a foundation for health equity education, with or without the benefit of a supplemental resource and 2) establishing priorities for the program related to educating students on health inequities in physical therapy clinical practice. A mixed method design with a focus-group interview was utilized to explore students' perceptions of the DPT program's commitment to advancing health equity. METHODS: A three-staged sequential mixed methods study was conducted. Stage 1 began with quantitative data collection after completing the DEI Bundle utilizing the Tripod DEI survey. Stage 2 involved identifying themes from the Tripod Survey data and creating semi-structured interview questions. Stage 3 consisted of a focus group interview process. RESULTS: A total of 78 students completed the Tripod DEI survey upon completing 70% of the curriculum. Thirty-five students, eight core faculty, 13 associated faculty, and four clinical instructors completed the APTA DEI Bundle Course Series. According to the Tripod DEI Survey results, program stakeholders found the program's commitment to DEI and overall climate to be inclusive, fair, caring, safe, welcoming, and understanding of individuals from different backgrounds, including a sense of student belonging where students feel valued and respected. Three themes emerged from the qualitative focus group interviews, including the value of inclusivity, health equity curricular foundations, and DEI in entry-level DPT education. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the value of incorporating health equity and DEI topics into curricula while fostering an incluse program culture.

Effectiveness of digital and analog learning methods for learning anatomical structures in physiotherapy education.

BACKGROUND: According to the German Physiotherapy Education and Qualification Regulations, teaching of anatomical structures is one of the fundamental subjects of physiotherapy education. Besides exhibits and models, anatomy atlases are usually used as teaching and learning tools. These are available in both analog form such as printed books or in digital form as a mobile application. Furthermore, the use of digital teaching and learning tools is steadily increasing within the education of health professionals. AIM: To assess the efficacy of a digital educational tool in contrast to an analog anatomical atlas in acquiring knowledge about anatomical structures. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The data collection took place in the context of an anatomy tutorial for students of the bachelor's degree program in physiotherapy. In a cross-over design, the students completed two learning assignments, each, with different learning materials provided, either with an anatomy app on a tablet or with an anatomy atlas as a book. The tests to assess the newly acquired knowledge immediately after the task, consisted of questions about the anatomical structures of the knee as well as the shoulder. In addition, the students' satisfaction with the learning materials provided was surveyed using a questionnaire. The survey assessed their satisfaction, their assessment of learning success, and their affinity to digital learning materials. This was done using a 5-point Likert scale and a free-text field. The data was analyzed descriptively, and group differences were calculated using a t-tests. RESULTS: Thirty students participated. The group comparison showed a significantly better outcome for the group that prepared with the analog anatomy atlas for the questions on the knee than the comparison group that used the anatomy app (t(28) = 2.6; p = 0.007). For the questions concerning the shoulder, there was no significant difference between the digital and analog groups (t(28) = 1.14; p = 0.26). The questionnaire revealed that satisfaction with the analog anatomy atlas was significantly higher than with the anatomy app. A total of 93.34% rated their experience with the analog learning tool at least "somewhat satisfied". In contrast, 72.67% of students partially or fully agreed that they "enjoyed learning with digital learning tools". DISCUSSION: Learning anatomical structures with the Human Anatomy Atlas 2023 + app did not show a clear advantage when compared to an anatomy book in these two cohorts of physiotherapy students. The results of the questionnaire also showed greater satisfaction with the analog anatomy atlas than with the anatomy app, whereas most students stated that they frequently use digital learning tools, including some for anatomical structures. Satisfaction with the learning tool seems to play a central role in their effectiveness. In addition, sufficient time must be provided for users to familiarize themselves with the user interface of digital applications to use them effectively. REGISTRATION: Diese klinische Studie wurde nicht in einem Studienregister registriert.

Use of the International IFOMPT Cervical Framework to inform clinical reasoning in postgraduate level physiotherapy students: a qualitative study using think aloud methodology.

BACKGROUND: Vascular pathologies of the head and neck are rare but can present as musculoskeletal problems. The International Federation of Orthopedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT) Cervical Framework (Framework) aims to assist evidence-based clinical reasoning for safe assessment and management of the cervical spine considering potential for vascular pathology. Clinical reasoning is critical to physiotherapy, and developing high-level clinical reasoning is a priority for postgraduate (post-licensure) educational programs. OBJECTIVE: To explore the influence of the Framework on clinical reasoning processes in postgraduate physiotherapy students. METHODS: Qualitative case study design using think aloud methodology and interpretive description, informed by COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative research. Participants were postgraduate musculoskeletal physiotherapy students who learned about the Framework through standardized delivery. Two cervical spine cases explored clinical reasoning processes. Coding and analysis of transcripts were guided by Elstein's diagnostic reasoning components and the Postgraduate Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Practice model. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis (inductive and deductive) for individuals and then across participants, enabling analysis of key steps in clinical reasoning processes and use of the Framework. Trustworthiness was enhanced with multiple strategies (e.g., second researcher challenged codes). RESULTS: For all participants (n = 8), the Framework supported clinical reasoning using primarily hypothetico-deductive processes. It informed vascular hypothesis generation in the patient history and testing the vascular hypothesis through patient history questions and selection of physical examination tests, to inform clarity and support for diagnosis and management. Most participant's clinical reasoning processes were characterized by high-level features (e.g., prioritization), however there was a continuum of proficiency. Clinical reasoning processes were informed by deep knowledge of the Framework integrated with a breadth of wider knowledge and supported by a range of personal characteristics (e.g., reflection). CONCLUSIONS: Findings support use of the Framework as an educational resource in postgraduate physiotherapy programs to inform clinical reasoning processes for safe and effective assessment and management of cervical spine presentations considering potential for vascular pathology. Individualized approaches may be required to support students, owing to a continuum of clinical reasoning proficiency. Future research is required to explore use of the Framework to inform clinical reasoning processes in learners at different levels.

LGBTQIA+ Cultural Competence in Physical Therapy: An Exploratory Qualitative Study From the Clinician's Perspective.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to understand the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, agender, and other gender and sexually diverse identities (LGBTQIA+) health care experience and associated cultural competence from the physical therapist perspective (physical therapist and physical therapist assistant). METHODS: An exploratory qualitative approach implementing semi-structured focus groups and private interviews was utilized. To further anonymity, researchers allowed subjects to keep their camera off on Zoom. An interview protocol included questions guided by Campinha-Bacote domains of cultural competence (cultural awareness, skill, knowledge, encounter, and desire) to collect individual experiences, stories, discussions, thoughts, and opinions. Physical therapist clinicians were recruited from the clinical education affiliation lists of Regis University and Thomas Jefferson University. Seventy-one practicing physical therapists from the USA agreed to be part of the study. RESULTS: Themes were organized using the Social Ecological Model Framework. Themes are in parentheses following each level of the Social Ecological Model and include intrapersonal level (psychological stress and implicit and explicit biases), interpersonal (acceptance and competency), organizational (experience), community (advocacy), and society and policy (explicit biases and policy). CONCLUSION: Cultural competence in physical therapy is influenced by intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, community, and social and policy factors. Themes of psychological stress, limited awareness, decreased acceptance, and competency as well as limited exposure and experience, and a lack of advocacy and broader societal and policy issues prevent adequate LGBTQIA+ cultural competency of physical therapist providers. Further research in the physical therapist profession is needed to elaborate on the student, educator, and patient perspectives and how this information informs the LGBTQIA+ cultural competence of clinicians. IMPACT: This project may have a significant impact on suggestions for the delivery of content for health profession education to best impact health equity goals and save lives. Implementation of this content may have a direct impact on health disparities in LGBTQIA+ populations by reducing stigma and discrimination from health care providers, thus improving quality of health care and decreasing rates of patient mortality for LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Physiotherapy students are underprepared to work with people living with dementia: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: To 1) explore physiotherapy students' experience in caring for people with dementia; 2) develop a rich understanding of their perceived preparedness to work with people with dementia upon graduation; and 3) identify opportunities to improve dementia education from the perspectives of students. DESIGN: A qualitative study comprised of semi-structured interviews via web conferencing software. Thematic analysis was undertaken, with themes/subthemes derived and a qualitative framework generated. SETTING: Three Victorian Universities in Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Physiotherapy students of entry-to-professional practice education programs (n = 17; mean age 23.7 years, 65% female), having completed at least 15 weeks of clinical placements. RESULTS: The overarching theme was that students' experience of providing care for people with dementia was variable. The three sub-themes were: 1) students experience significant challenges when working with people with dementia, 2) students experience a range of emotions when working with people with dementia, and 3) the quality of dementia learning experiences during entry-to-professional practice training is mostly inadequate. Students described the importance of the supervisor during clinical placements, and suggested incorporating 'real-life' scenario training in the classroom to assist them learn to manage the challenging symptoms of dementia. CONCLUSION: Physiotherapy students believe that entry-to-practice dementia education is insufficient. These findings have important implications for the future planning and delivery of physiotherapy dementia education. CONTRIBUTION OF THE PAPER.

Evidence-based practice confidence and behavior throughout the curriculum of four physical therapy education programs: a longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a foundational process taught in health professional education, yet it is unclear when EBP confidence and skills are obtained. Increases in EBP confidence and behaviors from the start of physical therapy programs to post graduation have been reported in studies that evaluated a single program or used non-valid questionnaires. This study aimed to describe changes in EBP confidence and behavior using validated questionnaires of students from four physical therapy education programs throughout their curriculum and one year post graduation. METHODS: One hundred and eighty-one students from a potential pool of 269 (67.3%) consented to participate. Students completed the Evidence-Based Practice Confidence (EPIC) Scale and the Evidence-Based Practice Implementation Scale (EBPIS) at 6 timepoints: start of the program, prior to first clinical experience, after first clinical experience, at the end of classroom instruction, graduation, and one year post. Medians (Mdn) and 25th and 75th percentiles (P25, P75) were calculated for 42 (23.2%) students with complete data across all timepoints. Change between timepoints was assessed using Friedman's test and Wilcoxon signed rank test with a Bonferroni correction for post hoc analysis. RESULTS: There were significant changes in EPIC scores (p < 0.001) from enrollment (Mdn 50.0, P25, P75 35.5, 65.9) to prior to first clinical experience (Mdn 65.5, P25, P75 57.3, 72.5) and after the first clinical experience (Mdn 67.3, P25, P75, 58.9, 73.2) to the end of classroom instruction (Mdn 78.6, P25, P75, 72.0, 84.1). Significant increases on the EBPIS (p < 0.01) were only seen from after the first year of training (Mdn 15, P25, P75, 10.0, 22.5) to end of the first clinical experience (Mdn 21.5, P25, P75 12.0, 32.0). CONCLUSIONS: EBP confidence increased significantly after classroom instruction but remained the same after clinical experiences and at one year post graduation. EBP behavior significantly increased only after the first clinical experience and remained the same through graduation. Confidence and behavior scores were higher than were previously reported in practicing professionals. Ongoing assessment of EBP confidence and behavior may help instructors build appropriate curricula to achieve their outlined EBP objectives.

Physical therapists' perspectives of patient values and their place in clinical practice: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: In physical therapy practice patients and therapists exchange their perspectives on musculoskeletal health problems and their meaning for both of them. However, literature indicates that physical therapists find it difficult to enquire about the patients' values during clinical encounters. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to gain deeper insight into the perspectives of physical therapists about patient values. DESIGN: Explorative qualitative focus group study. METHOD: Twenty-three physical therapists were interviewed in the Netherlands from March to May 2021. Two researchers analyzed the interviews and derived relevant codes. After an iterative process of comparing, analyzing, conceptualizing and discussing the codes, themes were identified through a thematic framework, illustrated with meaningful quotes. RESULTS: Three major themes were identified: Humane, Tacit, and Responsive. It appeared that patient values play unconsciously a major role in daily practice and are associated with humanity, not technical or procedural aspects of the encounter. Responsive denotes that all values require interaction in which aligning with the individual patient forms the basis of treatment. Barriers for being responsive are identified as subthemes: Choices, Trust, Diverseness, and Boundaries. CONCLUSION: The concept of patient values appeared to be implicit. The professional intuitively attunes as a fellow human being to values and expectations of the individual patient. This study contributes to finding a balance and mutual reinforcement of implicit and explicit knowledge. With all found experiences and insights the concept of patient values became more explicit in physical therapy to create a framework for education and research in the future.

Anatomic donor surgeries increase self-efficacy in physical therapy education: Use of live versus recorded viewing.

Anatomy serves as a foundational course in physical therapy education, but, due to its early placement in the curriculum, may have limited clinical application at that point of a student's education. Thus, augmenting a standard dissection course with surgical procedures can enhance the clinical relevance and knowledge of the anatomical structures involved in those surgeries. Doctor of Physical Therapy students viewed a variety of cadaveric orthopedic and cardiothoracic surgeries performed by a surgeon. Students unable to participate live viewed the recorded surgeries. Participants completed a 10-point Likert scale survey, developed by the researchers, pre- and post-viewing, on self-efficacy of knowledge, patient intervention and communication. Data analysis revealed improved self-efficacy of knowledge of the anatomy and the surgical procedures, confidence in treating patients undergoing those surgeries, and confidence communicating with surgeons, regardless of whether students viewed the surgeries live or recorded. Students participating in this experience expressed a clear value enhancement on their education. Programs should feel confident that this type of experience in the curriculum, whether live or recorded, will have a positive effect on student self-efficacy as related to the relationships and pertinence of anatomical structures involved in the surgeries, the surgical procedures, treating patients having undergone those surgeries, and interprofessional communication.

Guideline adherent screening and referral: do third year Doctor of Physical Therapy students identify red and yellow flags within descriptive patient cases? a United States based survey study.

INTRODUCTION: The need for early detection and appropriate management of flags in physical therapy has been established. The lack of early detection has been shown to lead to poor outcomes such as serious pathology, increased disability, prolonged symptoms, and increased healthcare utilization. OBJECTIVE: The main purpose of this survey study was to assess third-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students' adherence to clinical practice guidelines specifically in the identification and management of red and yellow flags through a case-based approach. METHODS: A survey including three different flag case scenarios was sent to DPT students in 15 geographically diverse physical therapy programs. Previously published case scenarios measuring adherence to practice guidelines were used. Correlational analyses were performed to link student demographic details and guideline adherent management. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 64 students. Guideline adherent management was greater for red flags (85%) than yellow flag cases (25% and 42%). No significant relationship was noted between the student details and guideline adherent management. CONCLUSION: DPT students may need additional educational content related to yellow flag screening. Educators may consider utilizing published red and yellow flag cases to guide decision-making and highlight best screening practices.

Excellence in Pediatric Physical Therapy Education: Recommendations and Action Items.

PURPOSE: This special communication identifies evidence-based recommendations and offers action items to facilitate the uptake of new knowledge from the National Study of Excellence in Pediatric Physical Therapy Education (NSE-Peds). SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS: The NSE-Peds identified a conceptual framework consisting of 4 key dimensions and associated elements that dynamically interact to prepare future physical therapists to meet the needs of society. The conceptual framework serves as the Knowledge Creation component of the knowledge to action (KTA) framework, but translation into practice requires the Action Cycle, the second component of the KTA framework. Recommendations and action items provide tangible products derived from the NSE-Peds conceptual framework for application in the Action Cycle. CONCLUSIONS: Using the KTA framework, implementation of the recommendations at the level of the individual, program, and organization should enhance pediatric physical therapy education and ultimately physical therapy care provided to children and families.

Distance learning in physiotherapy education during the COVID-19 pandemic: students' satisfaction, perceived quality, and potential predictors of satisfaction.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Physiotherapy (PT) is an allied health profession that is generally taught at universities with face-to-face learning to deliver the required knowledge and practical skills of PT. The education sector has transitioned to distance learning (DL) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aimed to evaluate PT students' perception of quality of DL and satisfaction with DL, and identify potential predictors of student satisfaction with DL during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was used. An online survey included demographic information, and the Distance Education Learning Environments Survey (DELES) was sent to PT students in Jordan. Regression analyses were used to identify the predictors of student satisfaction with DL. RESULTS: A total of 296 students completed the survey. Most students rated the overall quality of DL as good. However, they were not satisfied with DL. Instructor support for students, personal relevance, previous experience in DL, and being a master's student were the potential predictors of DL satisfaction. CONCLUSION: PT students rated the quality of DL as good with low level of satisfaction. Students' perceptions of and satisfaction with using DL were correlated to several potential predictors that could be considered for improving the DL experience in PT education.

The prevalence of wound management physical therapist practice in the state of Texas.

INTRODUCTION: Wound management has become one of the ten physical therapy (PT) certification specialty areas. With this advanced clinical designation opportunity, more PT specialists and residencies with integumentary and wound management expertise will be needed for the educational and practice training of future specialists. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to characterize wound management practice by licensed physical therapists in Texas. METHODS: A Qualtrics survey was distributed to 19,159 licensed physical therapists. The questionnaire contained 23 questions that inquired into the subject's professional background, clinical experience, and opinions of wound care practice. RESULTS: The response rate was 9.6% (n = 1,839) and 1,643 respondents indicated that they were currently practicing. Although 69.1% of active physical therapists (n = 1,136) stated that they had practiced wound care at some point of their career, most of them do not practice wound care anymore and their reasons were discussed. Of those active physical therapists, 41.3% (n = 679) of them reported wound care was being practiced in their facilities, but only 18.3% (n = 311) directly practiced wound care. The respondents felt that the prevalence of wound management physical therapists practice over the last five years has been decreasing. CONCLUSION: The current prevalence of wound management practice is low and a decreasing trend of PT practice in wound care was observed in Texas. A limitation of this study is the low response rate. Future studies across different regions of the country are warranted.

Characteristics of US-based physical therapist education programs cited for core faculty deficiencies in 2019-2020.

INTRODUCTION: Changes in the accreditation standards of physical therapist education have added new levels of rigor to core faculty qualifications. This study aims to determine if any program characteristics exist that are common to core faculty deficiency citations in the 2019-2020 review cycle. Recently, more than half of all accredited physical therapist education programs (51.5%) have earned citations in core faculty standards/elements. SUBJECTS: A total of 266 Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredited and developing physical therapist education programs were included. METHODS: A review and analysis of programs cited and programs without citation was completed in 2021, to investigate these characteristics in relation to citation status: Campus setting, Regional accreditor, Length of CAPTE accreditation, University control, Carnegie classification, Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service participant, and Program cohort size. RESULTS: A regression model was found to correctly predict with 91.3% accuracy when including common characteristics of campus setting, years of accreditation, university control, and Carnegie class in programs cited for faculty deficiency. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that programs residing in a town or rural setting, accredited for ten years or less, housed in an institution with a Carnegie classification of Master's or Baccalaureate, within private institutions, and enroll cohorts less than 31 are more likely to receive citations related to the qualifications or adequacy of core faculty than their counterparts. The description of characteristics common to programs cited could provide guidance to other programs in factors that might predispose them to core faculty deficiencies in the future.

Mapeamento de Programas de Residência Multiprofissional em Oncologia para Fisioterapeutas no Brasil / Mapping of Multiprofessional Residency Programs in Oncology for Physiotherapists in Brazil / Mapeo de Programas de Residencia Multiprofesional en Oncología para Fisioterapeutas en el Brasil

Introdução: A fisioterapia oncológica é responsável por reabilitar e restaurar as funções cinético-funcionais do paciente com câncer. Os programas de residência multiprofissional na atenção ao câncer são considerados especializações padrão-ouro. Objetivo: Mapear os programas de residência multiprofissional na atenção ao câncer para fisioterapeutas no Brasil. Método: Estudo exploratório do tipo descritivo. Foram realizadas uma busca manual e a análise de editais disponíveis na Internet de programas de residência multiprofissional ofertados pelo Ministério da Educação em parceria com o Ministério da Saúde para fisioterapeutas com início em 2022. Foi criada uma planilha em Excel com informações sobre: Região e Estado, instituição promotora, título do programa e número de vagas para fisioterapeutas, submetidas à análise descritiva, por meio de frequências absolutas e relativas. Resultados: Foram encontrados 35 programas de residência multiprofissional na atenção ao câncer, com 84 vagas nacionais disponíveis para fisioterapeutas. O maior número de vagas foi ofertado para cancerologia (67,85%), seguido por cuidados paliativos (11,90%), oncopediatria (8,33%), onco-hematologia (5,95%), oncologia e cuidados paliativos (2,38%), idoso e cuidados paliativos (2,38%), e terapia intensiva oncológica (1,21%). Conclusão: Os resultados do presente estudo evidenciaram a presença de programas de residência multiprofissional na atenção ao câncer com vagas para fisioterapeutas em todas as Regiões do Brasil, distribuídas, em sua maioria, na Região Sudeste, e, em menor quantidade, nas Regiões Norte, Centro-Oeste e Nordeste do país

Introduction: Oncology physiotherapy is responsible for rehabilitating and restoring the kinetic and functional functions of cancer patients. Multiprofessional residency programs in cancer care are considered gold standard specializations. Objective: To map multidisciplinary residency programs in cancer care with slots for physiotherapists in Brazil. Method: Exploratory, descriptive study. A manual search and analysis of public notices available on the Internet for multiprofessional residency programs offered by the Ministry of Education in partnership with the Ministry of Health with slots for physiotherapists starting in 2022 was performed. An Excel spreadsheet was created with data of Region and State, sponsoring institution, program title and number of slots for physiotherapists and submitted to descriptive analysis, using absolute and relative frequencies. Results: There were 35 multidisciplinary residency programs in cancer care found, with 84 national slots available for physiotherapists. The largest number was offered for cancerology (67.85%), followed by palliative care (11.90%), onco-pediatrician (8.33%), onco-hematology (5.95%), oncology and palliative care (2.38%), older adults and palliative care (2.38%), and oncological intensive care (1.21%). Conclusion: The results of the present study revealed that multidisciplinary residency cancer programs exist with slots for physiotherapists in all regions of Brazil, mostly in the Southeast region, and to a lesser extent in the North, Midwest and Northeast regions

Introducción: La fisioterapia oncológica se encarga de rehabilitar y restaurar las funciones cinéticas y funcionales de los pacientes oncológicos. Los programas de residencia multiprofesional en el cuidado del cáncer se consideran especializaciones estándar de oro. Objetivo: Mapear programas de residencia multidisciplinarios en atención del cáncer para fisioterapeutas en el Brasil. Método: Estudio exploratorio, descriptivo. Ha sido realizada una búsqueda y el análisis manual de las convocatorias públicas disponibles en Internet de los programas de residencia multiprofesional que ofrece el Ministerio de Educación en alianza con el Ministerio de Salud para fisioterapeutas con inicio en el año 2022. Se elaboró una planilla Excel con informaciones sobre Región y Estado, institución promotora, título del programa y número de vacantes para fisioterapeutas, sometidas a análisis descriptivo, utilizando frecuencias absolutas y relativas. Resultados: Se encontraron 35 programas de residencia multidisciplinarios para la atención del cáncer, con 84 vacantes nacionales disponibles para fisioterapeutas. El mayor número de vacantes se ofreció para cancerología (67,85%), seguido por cuidados paliativos (11,90%), oncopediatría (8,33%), oncohematología (5,95%), oncología y cuidados paliativos (2,38%), personas mayores y cuidados paliativos (2,38%), y cuidados intensivos oncológicos (1,21%). Conclusión: Los resultados del presente estudio mostraron la presencia de programas multidisciplinarios de residencia para la atención oncológica con vacantes para fisioterapeutas en todas las regiones de Brasil, mayoritariamente distribuidas en la región Sudeste, y y en menor medida en las regiones Norte, Centro-Oeste y Nordeste del país

Predicting First-Time National Physical Therapy Examination Performance for Graduates of an Entry-Level Physical Therapist Education Program.

INTRODUCTION: The National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) is a standardized examination designed to assess competence after graduation from an entry-level physical therapist education program. REVIEW OF LITERATURE: Previous studies have identified applicant and student variables that are related to NPTE performance, with applicant variables reflecting performance before admission and student variables reflecting performance after admission. However, there are very few articles describing how these variables can be combined to predict NPTE performance. The purpose of this study was to develop, evaluate, and describe models to predict first-time NPTE scores and NPTE outcomes (pass vs fail), based on various applicant and student variables related to academic performance. SUBJECTS: Pre- and postadmission data and NPTE scores were recorded for 185 individuals who graduated from an entry-level physical therapist education program. METHODS: Multiple linear regression was used to develop a model to predict NPTE scores, and binary logistic regression was used to develop a model to predict NPTE outcomes (pass vs fail). RESULTS: A model including undergraduate prerequisite grade point average, grade point average in basic science courses taken during the program, and comprehensive examination scores combined to explain 30.9% of the variance in NPTE scores and accurately predicted NPTE outcomes (pass vs fail) 81.1% of the time. DISCUSSION: In general, our findings support the notion that prediction of NPTE performance should be based on a combination of applicant and student variables. The models described in this article could be used to identify students who may be likely to struggle on the NPTE, making it possible to provide additional support to these students. CONCLUSION: Various applicant and student variables related to academic performance can be combined to predict NPTE performance. The results of this study provide a framework for programs interested in applying models to predict NPTE performance.

Current State of Entry-level Physical Therapy Oncology Curricula in the United States: A Faculty Survey.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of oncology rehabilitation education in current physical therapist educational programs in the United States, including oncology rehabilitation content characteristics, delivery, and instructional resources. REVIEW OF LITERATURE: By 2030, more than 21 million survivors of cancer in the United States (US) will be living with multisystem side effects depending on the treatment delivered. In addition, the sociopsychological factors associated with cancer treatment require that physical therapists are equipped with a unique body of knowledge, skills, and abilities. Insufficient cancer rehabilitation education is problematic across the health care spectrum. SUBJECTS: Program directors at 235 US physical therapist educational programs. METHODS: An online survey was developed in REDCap using the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialist's Description of Specialty Practice: Oncology Physical Therapy as a guide. An electronic link to the survey was sent to the email of the chair/program director at 235 Commission for the Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education-accredited programs. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 40.4% (95/235) and represented 36 of the 50 states. Private universities represented 54.3% of the responses, and 65% of the surveys were completed by core faculty. Four programs reported having an independent oncology course, ranging from 1 to 3 credit hours. Integrated content hours averaged 14.8 contact hours (range: 1-60) in the 69 reporting programs. Fifty-four percent of respondents were aware of published rehabilitation cancer guidelines. The majority of respondents (62%) felt their students received adequate instruction related to oncology rehabilitation. Certified lymphedema therapists (68%) were primarily responsible for teaching the oncology content. Goodmans' Pathophysiology text was most reported (87%), whereas 38% used evidence-based research in Rehabilitation Oncology Journal. About half of the respondents (52%) reported offering students full-time clinical experiences in oncology rehabilitation. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: This survey demonstrated how oncology rehabilitation education is incorporated into physical therapist educational programs and highlights areas for improvement. The results from this study lay the groundwork for developing core competencies for prelicensure education in oncology rehabilitation.

Predictors of National Physical Therapy Examination Failure in Graduates of a Blended Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.

INTRODUCTION: Passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) is a necessary step in progressing into a professional career. The purpose of this study was to identify student factors that predicted failure on the first attempt of the NPTE in graduates of a blended Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. REVIEW OF LITERATURE: Student factors that may affect NPTE outcomes have been studied in traditional physical therapist education programs but have not been studied in blended programs. Blended instruction is a delivery format that combines distance asynchronous learning and face-to-face synchronous learning in a complementary way. SUBJECTS: Two hundred ten graduates from 6 consecutive cohorts of a DPT program taught in a blended format. METHODS: Retrospective observational cohort design. Demographic, preadmission, and in-program academic data and NPTE pass/fail status were collected. Variables were analyzed with forward stepwise logistic regression for their ability to predict first-time NPTE failure. Receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted to determine cut points of predictive variables. RESULTS: Two regression analyses were conducted. First, an analysis of all variables identified 3 significant predictors: comprehensive examination score, cumulative third-year grade point average, and Graduate Record Examination Verbal Reasoning (GRE-V) score, which explained 43.2% of the variance. The second analysis excluded variables occurring late in matriculation to identify early occurring predictors. This yielded 2 early predictive variables, GRE-V score and academic difficulty, which explained 29.5% of the variance. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first study of predictors of NPTE outcomes in blended DPT program graduates. Like previous studies, a mix of preadmission and in-program factors predicted first-time NPTE failure. These findings may help inform admissions policies, academic advising processes, and academic warning policies in blended programs. Future research is needed to explore factors unique to blended educational settings and the qualities of the students they attract.

Simulation-Based Education in Physical Therapist Education: A Survey of Current Practice.

OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study were to describe the current use of (1) simulation in student physical therapist professional education programs and (2) standards of best practice (SOBP) for simulation-based education (SBE) in physical therapist education. METHODS: Two surveys were created about current use of SBE in student physical therapist professional education programs in the United States. The first survey contained questions about the program, including the best contact person regarding simulation. The second survey investigated simulation use within the context of SOBP. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Survey 1 was sent to the program director at all fully accredited physical therapist programs (N = 236), and 143 responses were returned (61% response rate). Survey 2 was sent to the 136 individuals identified in Survey 1, and we received 81 completed surveys (60%). Over 90% of programs reported including SBE in their curricula, with 86% providing 3 or more experiences. A median of 1 core faculty at each program reported training in SBE, but 23% reported no training. A lack of training in specific elements of the SOBP for SBE was reported by 40% to 50% of faculty. Limited use of SOBP was reported, and use of outcome measures without validation was common. CONCLUSION: Although SBE is commonly used in physical therapist education, many faculties (1) do not have training in SBE, (2) do not consistently follow the SOBP, and (3) utilize unvalidated outcome measures. Limited faculty training in SBE and inconsistent inclusion of the SOBP suggest student learning in simulation is not optimized. IMPACT: These results show that, despite increased use of simulation in physical therapist education programs, there is a dearth of faculty trained in SBE and inconsistent use of SOBP. Addressing these deficiencies could help to optimize the benefits of SBE in physical therapist education.