Clinical Education Data Management: Current Landscape in Entry-Level Physical Therapist Education.

BACKGROUND: Data management (DM) systems represent an opportunity for innovation in education and data-driven decision-making (DDDM) in allied health education. Understanding clinical education (CE) DM systems in entry-level physical therapy (PT) education programs could provide valuable insight into structure and operation and may represent opportunities to address CE challenges. The purpose of this study is to describe how PT programs are using CE DM systems to inform recommendations for CE DM and support knowledge sharing and DDDM. SUBJECTS: CE faculty and administrators were recruited from entry-level PT education programs to participate in a cross-sectional survey. METHODS: The authors designed a novel survey which included demographics and use of CE DM systems. Descriptive statistics and content analysis of narrative data were used to examine responses. RESULTS: The survey was distributed to 220 academic PT programs in June 2021 with 111 respondents (50% response rate). Respondents use multiple systems to complete CE tasks (e.g., placement process, on-boarding, agreement tracking, as a CE site database). Forty-three percent (n=47) use one system, 76% (n=35) of those use the same Software as a Service vendor. Eighty-six percent (n=96) are satisfied with their current CE DM system. Respondents enter data related to CE site information, CE environment, length of the CE experience, and accreditation-required clinical instructor information. Ninety-four percent (n=93) and 70% (n=70) extract data to make decisions about the placement process and curriculum, respectively. CONCLUSION: While variability across CE DM systems presents a challenge, survey respondents indicated common practices related to functionality, data entry, and extraction. Clinical education DM systems house critical data to address challenges in CE. Strategies to improve accessibility and use of this data to support DDDM should be explored.

Collaborations in Clinical Education: Coordinating Top-Down and Bottom-Up Efforts to Advance Best Practices in Physical Therapist Education.

BACKGROUND: Preparing students for today's healthcare environment requires visionary leadership and strategic implementation at the grassroots level. This paper describes the process used in physical therapy (PT) to gather information about regional clinical education consortia, enhance networking, and improve connectivity with national initiatives. PROCESS: Twenty consortia shared information about their structures, processes, and outcomes during small-group discussions using a mixed methods approach. Two additional consortia were later identified and interviewed. FINDINGS: Consortia structure varied, but an average lifespan of 27 yrs with limited turnover was noted. Most consortia included both academic/clinical educators and PT/PTA educators. Commonly reported processes included holding meetings, serving as peer network, mentoring new members, and collaborating on research. The most frequent outcome was education of stakeholders. Consortia supported national initiatives but voiced need for more engagement at the grassroots level. DISCUSSION: Regional consortia play a vital role in shaping the future of clinical education but increased coordination between top-down and bottom-up efforts is needed. Recommendations were developed to use technologies, develop systematic communications, facilitate regional and national networks, and promote inclusion of all stakeholders. CONCLUSION: A systematic process engaging grassroots organizations can prove valuable for coordinating top-down and bottom-up efforts in all health professions.