Education Commons^™

Student Physical Therapists’ Perceptions Of A First Semester Integrated Clinical Experience: A Descriptive Study, Alicia K. Rabena-Amen, Tyler Goslinga, Amber Orchard, Fatema Ghani, Todd E. Davenport

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The value of an Integrated Clinical Experience (ICE) is well documented, but student physical therapists’ perspectives of an early ICE are not. A first semester ICE allows practice of expected skills and behaviors from the onset of a professional program. The purpose of this study was to explore students’ perceptions of a first-semester ICE. Methods: A questionnaire was completed by 36 student physical therapists after a first semester part-time ICE. SPSS Statistics, thematic analysis, and a mixed-methods approach were used to analyze the data. Results: Students agreed the ICE emphasized the importance and allowed practice of professional and communication …

The Clinical Placement Process Through The Lens Of The Director Of Clinical Education: A Qualitative Multiple Case Analysis, Jamie L. Greco, Katherine Myers

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The placement process is a key contributor to current challenges in health science clinical education. The Director of Clinical Education (DCE) is the central figure in coordinating the placement process in physical therapist education. Despite their central role, there is no research exploring the DCE perspective during this process. The purpose of this study was to explore the DCE’s experience in navigating the placement process to further understand how the DCE role is impacted by barriers and facilitators encountered during this process. Methods: Fourteen DCEs representing private and public institutions from across the country participated in the …

The Art Of Empathy: Visual Art Interpretation And Creation To Enhance Empathy In Dpt Students, Nora B. Collier, Leslie Taylor

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To pilot the inclusion of a visual arts unit grounded in social constructivist theory and framed around Visual Thinking Strategy into an entry-level anatomy course and explore its influence on enhancing empathy in Doctor of Physical Therapy students. Methods: 37 students enrolled in the second semester of an 8-semester program participated in this exploratory study using a mixed methods, pre-test, post-test design. Prior to and after the 3-week unit, students completed the Jefferson Scale of Empathy – Health Care Provider Student version (JSP-HPS). After the unit, students provided written reflections on their learning experiences. The JSP-HPS was assessed via …

Influence Of Personality On Ethical Decision-Making In Communication Sciences And Disorders, Jennifer K. Binkley, Terry W. Baggs

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: A relationship between personality and ethical decision-making has been demonstrated in professions both within and outside of healthcare. However, this relationship has not been examined in the rehabilitation therapies, including speech-language pathology (SLP). Given the ethical dilemmas faced by therapists, it is important to assess this relationship and to modify ethical training when warranted. Methods: A total of 175 undergraduate communication sciences and disorders students participated in completing the Kiersey Temperament Sorter II and the Defining Issues Test-2. Scores were statistically compared to determine the relationship between the two assessments. Results: Based on a model of moral reasoning development, …

Student Perceptions Of Reading Preparation And Textbook Use In Professional Allied Health Programs, Laura Stimler, Camille Skubik-Peplaski, Melba G. Custer, Shirley P. O'Brien

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: In professional allied health education, textbooks are central to developing course content, student learning and certification exams, but little is known about the graduate student’s perspective. This study was intended to describe current trends in graduate students’ point of view, habits and opinions related to buying and using textbooks and other resources in allied health education. Methods: This was a multi-site collaborative research project. An electronic survey was developed to gather data on student habits and perspectives regarding textbook preferences including digital texts, academic reading, exam preparation, and obtaining course materials. The survey was distributed across four academic institutions. …

Training And Instruction Of Learning And Study Strategies Improve Academic Performance In Rehabilitation Students, Evan M. Pucillo, Gabriela Perez

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Prior study has demonstrated that certain learning strategies can be improved with training and instruction. As a result, downstream academic success may be potentiated. However, it is unclear if instructional intervention can influence academic outcomes among rehabilitation students. The purpose of this study was to compare changes in grade point average (GPA) after exposure to a set of standardized self-paced training modules on the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) in Physical therapy (PT) and Occupational therapy (OT) students. Methods: A causal-comparative design was used, and a multi-center convenience sample collected N=75 entry-level PT and OT students [PT: 41(55%); …

Relationship Between Allied Health Student's Behavioral Style And Ideal Clinical Instructor Behaviors, Tonya Y. Miller, Robert Creath, Eva M. Frank, Lori Portzer, Jennifer Price

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The focus of this research is to understand the relationship between students' primary DISC behavioral styles (dominant, influencing, steadiness, compliance) and their perception of ideal clinical instructor behaviors. A review of the literature supports the connection between the behaviors of the clinical instructor (CI) and the success of the allied health professional student (AHPS). Additionally, a body of research supports the connection between DISC behavioral styles and student success. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between AHPS primary DISC behavioral styles and their perception of the ideal CI behaviors. Methods: A total number …

The Clinical Reasoning Assessment Tool For Learning From Standardized Patient Experiences: A Pilot Study, Mary A. Riopel, Sara Benham, Jennifer Landis, Stephanie Falcone, Sarah Harvey

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Clinical reasoning (CR) is the ability to integrate the knowledge of diagnoses with the use of supporting theories to create effective, client-centered interventions. One means of teaching CR to rehabilitation students is using standardized patient (SP) experiences. The relationship between faculty and student CR ratings after SP experiences has not been researched. The purpose of the study was to determine if there would be correlations between physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) student and faculty ratings of CR skills after an SP experience. Method: The Clinical Reasoning Assessment Tool (CRAT) was used by students to self-reflect on their …

Quality Delivered: How A Pandemic Fostered Innovation And Creative Solutions In Clinical Education, Alice M. Davis, Laura Laporta, Nancy F. Mulligan, Stacy Carmel, Shelene Thomas, Denise O'Dell

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Clinical education placements for students enrolled in healthcare programs were abruptly upended in March 2020 due to COVID-19. Programs were faced with decisions of how to mitigate substantive challenges due to an unforeseen pandemic within timeframes that would align with curricular sequences and graduation dates. Schools quickly modified curriculum formats, implemented alternative teaching and learning instruction and developed safety protocols to protect students, clinical faculty, and patients. Purpose: The aim of this study explored the strategies employed by one physical therapy school’s clinical education team, which resulted in successful completion of clinical course requirements and on-time graduation. Method: Data …

A Survey Of Human Gross Anatomy Laboratories In Dpt Programs Across The United States, Katy Mitchell, Christina Bickley, Angela Leis, Amy Tsang

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to 1) describe the current teaching methodology used in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) human gross anatomy (HGA) labs, 2) examine the demographics and perceptions of HGA instructors and compare responses based on years of experience, 3) determine the utilization and instructor perceptions related to cadaver dissection and other methods of instruction, and 4) determine which safety/security protocols are used in HGA laboratories. Method: All DPT programs (N=250) in the United States (US) accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) were eligible to participate. The anonymous, 89-item online survey …

Impact Of Pro Bono Clinic On Attitudes, Beliefs, And Confidence Towards Cultural Competence In First-Year Doctoral Physical Therapy Students, Scarlett Morris, Ruiping Xia, Troy Klaassen, Trey Johnson

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Cultural competence is an essential skill for healthcare providers in our increasingly ethnically diversified society. There is an unmet need for educating future culturally competent physical therapists. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of pro bono clinic on cultural competence in first-year doctoral physical therapy students. Method: Forty-two participants completed a survey before and after attending three individual sessions of mentored pro bono clinical experiences during their first semester. The survey assessed participants’ attitudes and beliefs (Part I), and self-perceived level of confidence (Part II) towards cultural competence. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were performed. Results: The …

Flop To Flip: Integrating Technology And Team-Based Learning To Improve Student Engagement, Diana A. Veneri, Elizabeth M. Mongillo

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The first attempt to develop and instruct a new course in evidence-based practice in a physical therapy curriculum proved problematic. The purpose of this paper is to describe the method of revising this traditionally taught course using a combination of flipping the classroom, team-based learning, and technology. Methods: Working with an Instructional Design Specialist, a weekly online preparatory module was created for each content topic using a variety of multimedia learning provisions including micro learning videos (PowerPoint with voiceover), transcript of the PowerPoint, a list of vocabulary words, reading, Quizlet, Flipgrids and Concept Checks. Each week’s module was introduced …

Do Learning And Study Strategies Predict Success In Hybrid-Online Physical And Occupational Therapist Education?, Evan M. Pucillo, Ellen Lowrie Black

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: An understanding of the learning strategies most accurately predictive of success has become increasingly important as health professional education programs scale the utilization of online learning in the wake of COVID-19. The purpose of this study was to examine the predictive relationship between The Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) and cumulative professional GPA (cpGPA) in hybrid-online physical (PT) and occupational therapist (OT) education. Methods: A convenience sample collected N=149 entry-level PT and OT students from three campuses across Florida, Texas, and California. A total N(%) of 89(59.7%) PT and 60(40.3%) OT students were included for analysis [48(32.2%) male; …

Interprofessional Education At A Distance: The Hybrid Interprofessional Education Model, Melissa J. Lazinski, Lynda Ross, Suzanne Wolf, Megan Finck, Lance Cherry

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Interprofessional education (IPE) is a critical component of health professions education but planning and implementation are challenged by logistical, physical, personnel, and recently global pandemic COVID-19 barriers. Purpose: This report describes the development and design of the proposed Hybrid Interprofessional Education (HIPE) model, a blended learning IPE model developed to mitigate barriers using a flexible framework and online collaborative technologies to deliver experiences based on Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) core competencies. Operational principles, model design, an example of model implementation, and outcomes are reported. Method: Fifty-four student physical therapists and physician assistants attending remote campuses of the same university …

Impact Of An Interprofessional Education Quality Of Life Forum On Students’ Perceptions And Commitment To Addressing Local Health Disparities And The Social Determinants Of Health, Jamie Bayliss, Erin Hofmeyer, Bc Charles-Liscombe, Kristin Clephane, Sandra Matthias, Donna Glankler, Nicole Harshbarger

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Healthcare providers and educational programs share a challenge where limited resources make interprofessional education (IPE) and collaboration difficult. The purpose of this research was to investigate the impact of IPE, specifically The Greater Cincinnati Quality of Life Forum within the School of Health Science at Mount St. Joseph University, on students’ perceptions of communication skills, collaboration, and values of interprofessional practice as they relate to emergent topics within the community and healthcare. Methods: Consenting participants completed an electronic survey with five reflection questions. Qualitative assessment included analysis of text for emergent themes. Results: Four themes evolved impacting future …

Athletic Training And Physical Therapy Junior Faculty Member Preparation: Perceptions Of Doctoral Programs And Clinical Practice, Jessica L. Barrett, Stephanie M. Singe, Aynsley Diamond

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Institutions of higher education suffer from a shortage of appropriately prepared faculty members in athletic training and physical therapy programs. Both professional programs have recently undergone curricular reform and degree change. We sought gain an understanding of the preparation mechanisms experienced by athletic training and physical therapy practitioners for their junior faculty positions. Method: Twenty-six athletic trainers and physical therapists participated in this phenomenological study. Data from one-on-one phone interviews were analyzed following the inductive process of interpretive phenomenological analysis. Content experts, pilot interviews, multiple analysts and member checking ensured trustworthiness. Results: Findings indicate two primary mechanisms prepared the …

Make Changes Early! High Stress Levels Predict Lower Academic Performance In First-Year Physical Therapy Students: A Pilot Study, Daniel W. Flowers, Amanda Bernard

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Evidence exists in the literature that allows admissions committees to predict which students will be most successful in entry-level physical therapy educational programs. Evidence linking modifiable predictors of academic performance to currently enrolled students allowing enhancement of their performance during enrollment is lacking. Previous healthcare education literature indicates that stress has a negative predictive relationship with academic performance, and that stress is the highest in the beginning of an academic program. Research studies with medical students report exercise assists in minimizing stress and improving academic performance, while the role of leisure time has also been investigated. No study has …

Student And Faculty Perceptions Of Live Synchronous Distance Education For Allied Health Students Following Program Expansion To A Rural Campus, Betsy J. Becker, Kelsey Rutt, Allyson Huntley, Harlan Sayles, Kim Michael

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background & Purpose: Distance education (DE) is a means to meet allied health workforce needs in rural locations where healthcare worker shortages are apparent. Five allied health programs were expanded to a rural campus teaching synchronously using distance education technology. The purpose of this convergent parallel mixed methods study was to explore perceptions of allied health students and faculty at two campus locations.

Methods: Quantitative and qualitative information were collected through a survey of students and faculty (physical therapy, physician assistant, and medical imaging [diagnostic medical sonography, radiography, magnetic resonance imaging] programs). Both campuses served as live and distance sites …

Assessing Expectations Of Physician Assistant Program Applicants Using The Problem-Based Learning Readiness Questionnaire: Effect Of A 1-Hour Pbl Experience, Susan Hawkins, John Laird, Anthony Goreczny

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Physician Assistant (PA) programs using problem-based learning (PBL) and other self-directed learning pedagogies must inform applicants of the nature of this type of curriculum. The purpose of this study is to determine if the author-composed PBL Readiness Questionnaire can detect changes in applicant expectations of self, others, and facilitators following a one-hour PBL experience.

Method: Applicants to a Physician Assistant program took part in a one-hour PBL experience as part of their admissions interview process and 729 completed the PBL Readiness Questionnaire before and after the experience.

Results: Analysis of variance showed a significant increase in pre versus post …

Effect Of Experience Facilitating Problem-Based Learning (Pbl) On Physician Assistant Student Outcomes, Susan Hawkins, Anthony Goreczny, Nicole E. Brown

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Abstract

Purpose: The impact of prior problem-based learning (PBL) facilitation experience (measured by length of time facilitating) on student learning and student outcomes is unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate relationships of facilitator experience in problem-based learning on student outcomes. This study utilized both modified essay questions (MEQ) in the form of patient management assessments and multiple choice question (MCQ) assessments to evaluate different aspects of student acquisition and application of knowledge. Method: This study examined scores from six multiple choice question examinations and six patient management assessments (PMA), one each from six 5-week units …

A Physical Therapist And Physical Therapist Assistant Learning Activity To Examine Student Collaboration And Collaboration Readiness: An Intraprofessional Educational Process, Salome V. Brooks, Renae Gorman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

BACKGROUND: Workforce responsibilities in the clinical setting between the physical therapist (PT) and physical therapist assistant (PTA) emphasize the necessity to develop intraprofessional skills fostering discipline collaboration. These skills impact the team process and the achievement of interprofessional patient centered outcomes. Collaboration is a skill that is sought after in inter- and intraprofessional teams. Intraprofessionalism is occurring within teamwork and collaborative activities labelled or described in interprofessional terms and tools. Health science professional programs have received recent mandates to address interprofessional collaboration skills within curricula. But disciplines that contain multiple professional roles need to address the within discipline, prerequisite intraprofessional …

Commentary: Posing Questions To Support And Challenge -- A Guide For Mentoring Staff, Suzanne T. Nevers, Sherri Melrose

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Staff development educators seeking to mentor health care practitioners towards thinking more critically may integrate a questioning approach into their teaching. However, posing questions that both support and challenge learners is an intentional process. This article provides an overview of the contextual considerations, dynamics and mechanics that educators need to understand in order to pose high level questions that invite learners to engage in reflection, problem solving and evidence informed practice. The approaches are framed from a constructivist theoretical perspective, a mentoring model of instruction and Socratic dialogue. The suggestions are practical mentoring strategies that can be readily integrated into …

Enhancing Entry-Level Physiotherapy Student Learning In Interpreting Radiology – An Action Research Project, Courtney R. Clark, Andrea Bialocerkowski

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: In Australia, the ability to interpret orthopaedic x-rays is an entry-level skill for physiotherapists. Yet there is a paucity of evidence in the literature which details effective learning and teaching methods to optimise confidence and competence in x-ray interpretation. The aims of this study were to describe the content contained in an orthopaedic radiology module within an Australian 2-year graduate entry Master of Physiotherapy degree; approaches to learning and teaching used in this module; student satisfaction associated with this module over a 2-year period. Method: The University’s framework for quality assurance, which is based on the Plan-Implement-Review-Improve underpinned this …