Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Measuring Similarities Between The Patient Specific Functional Scale And Physical Therapist-Created Long-Term Goals In Outpatient Physical Therapy, Robin Zappin, Soo Yeon Sun

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: The Patient-specific Functional Scale (PSFS) can be used to promote person-centered goal setting. This study aimed to determine how often PSFS Items and Target Activities from physical therapist-created long-term goals (PTC-LTG) agreed. The relationship between patient demographics, meeting/partially meeting PTC-LTG and meeting or exceeding the minimal clinical important difference (MCID) for PSFS activities was also investigated. Method: PTC-LTGs, patient demographic questionnaires, and pre/post-physical therapy intervention PSFS were collected. Each item in PSFS and Target Activity in PTC-LTGs was linked to a World Health Organization International Classification of Function (WHO ICF) category. A regression analysis determined if there was …

Educational Lessons From A Pandemic: Lecture Recording And Learning Outcomes, Melissa Lesser, Lora Packel

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The use of lecture capture (LC) in higher education classrooms has increased, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic; however, its effectiveness as a learning strategy is largely untested in graduate students. In undergraduate students, the use of LC has mixed findings related to academic performance. Some studies show no improvement in assessment or course grades while others show small gains. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of LC on academic performance in graduate doctor of physical therapy students (DPT). Methods: In module 1, students received two virtual synchronous lectures which were recorded …

Physical Therapists And Physical Therapy Assistants’ Readiness Levels To Deliver Telehealth Services: A Survey Analysis, Bhavana Raja, Alicia Rabena-Amen, David Gillette, Preeti Oza, Todd E. Davenport

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate physical therapists (PT) and physical therapy assistants’ (PTA) readiness to deliver telehealth (TH) services during COVID-19 pandemic. Method: IRB approved this survey analysis study. The Modified Maryland TH Readiness Assessment Tool (mMTRAT) was distributed by email to all licensed PTs and PTAs in California in October 2020. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare between-groups differences for continuous demographic data. Pearson chi-square analysis was used to assess between-group distributions of categorical data. The statistical significance of between-groups median mMTRAT scores was assessed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Statistical significance …

Physical Therapy Professionals’ Opioid Knowledge And Attitudes In A Midwestern State: A Cross Sectional Survey, Steven G. Kinney, John D. Kiesel

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To determine perspectives towards opioid use, knowledge on managing an opioid overdose, and awareness towards individuals who use opioids of Indiana physical therapy (PT) professionals. Methods: An online questionnaire was disseminated to PT professionals in Indiana from various practice settings. This questionnaire included two standardized measures, the Opioid Overdose Knowledge Scale (OOKS) and the Opioid Overdose Attitude Scale (OOAS). An additional 12 questions regarding the role of PT and other groups in the opioid crisis as well as opioid education were included. These questions were developed by discussion between investigators as well as feedback from another rehabilitation professional. Descriptive …

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. …

The Use Of Dynamic 3d Printed Cervical Spine Models In A Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy Course, Cassandra I. Ciorciari, Dallas A. Rynda, Christina L. Fojas

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: While mass-produced anatomical models are commercially available, many models are inflexible and static, and may not meet the needs of health professions students. Advances in three-dimensional (3D) printing have demonstrated tremendous potential for enhancing student learning. This study uses 3D printed cervical spine models to explore whether use of dynamic, flexible models improve student learning in a cohort of physical therapy students. Methods: 3D printed models of the cervical spine and occiput were printed using a fused deposition modeling 3D printer and polylactic acid filament, and augmented with hook and loop fasteners, foam sheets, and cords to simulate structures …

Exploring Clinical Reasoning In Doctor Of Physical Therapy (Dpt) Students Through Computer-Based Simulation, Denise Romano, Alyson Pasquale

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Clinical reasoning is a critical skill required to be an effective clinician in today’s dynamic and complex healthcare environment. Reflective ability is considered foundational for building clinical reasoning skills. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to explore the clinical reasoning strategies used by Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students during a computer-based simulation and the relationship between the quality of reflection and clinical reasoning strategies used. Methods: Forty-five first (n=15), second (n=23), and third (n=7) year DPT students enrolled in six professional DPT programs in the United States participated in an asynchronous computer-based simulation designed to …

Influence Of Years Of Experience On Clinical Competence Of Novice Physical And Occupational Therapists In Japan, Hiroaki Sakurai, Soichiro Koyama, Shigeo Tanabe, Kazuya Takeda, Yoshikiyo Kanada

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To increase the clinical competence of novice physical and occupational therapists, an accurate assessment of their clinical competence is necessary. However, no previous study has objectively analyzed the changes in novice therapists’ clinical competence in Japan. Hence, this study investigated and evaluated the changes in the clinical competence of such therapists using an objective analysis. Method: The study included 34 novice therapists with 1–3 years of experience in clinical practice. Participants were divided into groups according to their years of experience. The clinical competence of the novice therapists was evaluated twice using a clinical competency evaluation scale. For comparison …

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 …

Extended Scope Physiotherapists Are Effective And Safe In The Emergency Department: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Brittany Souter, Anne Jones, Lorraine Sheppard, Michael Crowe

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Extended scope physiotherapists (ESPs) are an innovative approach to service delivery that have emerged in response to increasing pressures on emergency departments (EDs). While previous systematic reviews have suggested that ESPs have a positive impact on ED outcomes, clinical practice recommendations based on limited evidence highlight a pressing need for evaluation studies to truly determine their effectiveness and safety in this setting. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of ESPs when delivering services in EDs. Method: Systematic literature searches were conducted using the online databases: Medline (Ovid), CINAHL …

The Effect Of Tai Chi On Dynamic Balance In Younger Adults: Implication For Physical Therapy Practice, Anthony O'Neill, Debra A. Beazley, Lori Bolgla

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Tai Chi on the dynamic balance in younger, active community-based adults with no history of lower extremity injury or balance problems. Methods: Fourteen subjects (4 males / 10 females; age 23.6 + 6.2 years-old; height 166.5 ± 11.1 cm; weight 75.9 ± 19.3 kg) completed a 13-week undergraduate Tai Chi course. Dynamic balance was assessed at the beginning and the end of the course using the Y-Balance test. Results: Post-hoc testing showed significant improvements in anterior (P=0.007) and posterior lateral (P=0.003) reach distances with …

Covid-19 And Telehealth Use Among Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, And Speech-Language Pathology Practitioners In The United States, Caesarinne Sprianu, Dragana Krpalek, Julie D. Kugel, Gurinder Bains, Lida Gharibvand

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To explore occupational, physical, and speech-language pathology therapists’ perceived effectiveness of telehealth and how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected their professional roles. Method: Participants were recruited for the study through a research flyer distrusted via postal mail, emails, social media, and national association websites. An anonymous electronic 19-item survey was developed for this study by the researchers based on a review of the literature and clinical experience. Results. In total, 186 survey responses were obtained, with 152 meeting the inclusion criteria. The average age of participants was 38.6 years with an average work duration of 12.7 years ± 12.5 …

Effectiveness Of Interprofessional Education Modules On Cultural Competency Of Physical Therapy And Occupational Therapy Students, Ayse Ozcan Edeer, Nadia Rust

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The United States is a melting pot of diverse ethnicities and cultures. Graduate-level teaching methods must prepare students to work with diverse populations and in various contexts. The outcome of instruction should be technically competent and culturally humble health care providers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of collaborative interprofessional instruction on cultural competency levels of Doctor of Physical Therapy Program (DPT) and Master of Science Occupational Therapy Program (MSOT) students. Methods: This was a pre-posttest quasi experimental study. A total 58 students from the DPT (28) and MSOT (30) programs participated and provided demographic …

Attitudes And Beliefs Of Physical Therapist And Physical Therapist Assistant Program Directors In The United States Towards Interprofessional Education, Lawrence Ramiscal, Christopher Truelove Jr., Vahe Heboyan, Gianluca De Leo

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To investigate the attitudes and beliefs of physical therapy (PT) and physical therapist assistant (PTA) program directors towards interprofessional education (IPE). We hypothesized that Communication and Ethics would be the most important competencies among program directors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey based on previously utilized instruments modified for the profession of PT was sent to PT and PTA program directors. One hundred sixteen responses were analyzed using frequency analysis for demographic data and non-parametric Mann-Whitney U t-test for group differences. Results: While the majority of program directors agree that IPE is important, with Communication as the most important IPE competency, …

Language Discordance And Telephone Interpretation Complicates Pain Neuroscience Education In Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient With Acute Low Back Pain, Margaret C. Burns, Tamara S. Struessel

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Pain neuroscience education (PNE) is an intervention used for musculoskeletal pain to improve understanding of pain processes; PNE can decrease pain levels, improve function, and lower disability. Clear communication between the patient and provider is important for PNE to be an effective intervention. There is a lack of research on how a language discordance may impact that communication, and therefore the effectiveness of PNE. Purposes: 1) describe the physical therapist management of a Spanish speaking patient with acute low back pain (LBP) while using an off-site telephone interpreting service and 2) examine how PNE treatment was impacted by a …

Transformation Of The Physical Therapist Assistant (Pta): A Survey Of Current Practice And Education, Jennifer Jewell, Pamela Pologruto, Beverly Labosky, Gina Tarud

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To find trends in utilization and practice of the physical therapist assistant (PTA) in the clinical setting and to assess current clinician views on the expected future direction for the education of the PTA. Method/Subjects: An electronic survey was sent to all accredited PT and PTA programs in United States requesting the survey be forwarded to physical therapist and physical therapist assistant faculty, alumni and clinical instructors in their geographic region for completion. Results: PTAs are a vital part of physical therapy practice. Forty percent of respondents reported that greater than 50% of direct patient interventions are typically …

A Student Physical Therapist’S Perspective On Her Efficacy Providing Culturally Competent Care: A Reflective Case Study, Anna S. Kelly, Deborah M. Wendland

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Cultural differences and personal biases can affect the way a clinician provides care and the way in which patients receive it. The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) designates cultural competence as one of the professional practice expectations for physical therapy students, although no standardized blueprint exists for Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs. This case report will illustrate how reflection can be used to facilitate a student’s growth into becoming more prepared to practice in a culturally aware and effective way. In addition, this report seeks to provide a student’s perspective on her efficacy providing culturally …

Expanding Rehabilitation Beyond The Clinic—Strategies To Increase Total Restorative Therapy Time For Adults With Hemiplegia, Niamh M. Tunney, Ellen R. Perlow

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Positive neuroplastic changes involving cortical reorganization after stroke are experience dependent and are facilitated more effectively when rehabilitation occurs with high volume. Structured experiences to promote adaptive changes can be implemented during scheduled therapies in any rehabilitation setting. However, time spent in supervised restorative therapy is limited regardless of setting. Time spent in therapeutic activity can be extended by a variety of options that patients can engage in independently, that are low-cost, and that have evidence to support their use as a supplement to physical and occupational therapy. Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present four …

Empathy Levels Correlate With Practical Examination Scores In Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students, Scott Richardson, Danika Aten, Garrett Bennett, Matthew Koster, Hannah Svilar

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine if empathy levels correlate with practical examination scores in DPT students. It was hypothesized that students with higher empathy levels would receive better scores on practical examinations. Methods: Participants were a convenience sample of 49 first and second year DPT students from Franklin Pierce University in Goodyear, AZ. After obtaining informed consent, participants completed the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) to assess personal empathy. These scores were compared with participants’ practical examination scores using a Spearman Rho statistical test with data analysis completed using SPSS software. Results: 49 participants (26 …

Therapeutic Management Of A Patient With Necrotizing Fasciitis Resulting In Quadrilateral Amputation And Critical Illness Myopathy In The Intensive Care Setting: A Case Report., Mallory A. Kargela, Annette J. Siebens

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this case is to illustrate the best available evidence to provide early therapeutic intervention for a critically ill patient presenting with cardiovascular and pulmonary complications due to multi-system compromise. Case Description: A 19-year-old male was admitted to the hospital with the diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis and necrotizing pneumonia. He experienced numerous additional medical complications ultimately leading to tracheostomy, delirium, critical illness myopathy, and quadrilateral amputation secondary to necrotizing fasciitis and critical limb ischemia following prolonged veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO). Outcomes: Patient was discharged to an outside rehabilitation hospital after 103 days in the acute setting …

Relationship Among Emotional Intelligence And/Or Extrovert Bias On Perceived Stress Levels In Dpt Students, Scott Richardson, Jordan Auvinen, Brennan Bonnett, Lucas Takeuchi, Erin Thompson

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose/Hypothesis: Students in graduate level DPT programs function at varying levels. Some students thrive and others struggle to maintain required minimum levels of academic performance. When considering admission of applicants, and when assisting enrolled students, consideration of factors contributing to academic success is of interest. Stress has been shown to be prevalent in a wide range of students and has many negative effects including poor life satisfaction, increased clinical burnout, and reduced academic performance. Research has shown a correlation between higher emotional intelligence (EI) and decreased stress levels in medical, nursing, and undergraduate students. The purpose of this study was …

Investigating The Influence That Service In A Pro Bono Clinic Has On A First Full-Time Clinical Education Experience From The Perspective Of Students And Their Clinical Instructors, Ellen Erdman, Jill D. Black, Sandra Campbell, Tim Golder, Stephen Grazioli, Kerstin M. Palombaro

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Academic physical therapy programs strive to foster student readiness for full-time clinical education experiences in a variety of ways. This research looks at one program who has students participate in a student-run pro bono clinic for at least 60 hours prior to the first full-time clinic experience. The purpose of the study is to explore the influence that participation in this pro bono clinic has on a first full-time clinical education experience from the perspective of both the student and the clinical instructor (CI). Methods: Qualitative methodology was employed to gain the perspectives of 29 students and their respective …

Interprofessional Peer Teaching: Assistive Device Training And Medications Impacting Safe Ambulation, Niamh M. Tunney, Melissa Chesson, Gina J. Ryan

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT

Purpose: An interprofessional peer teaching activity was designed and implemented to provide students with an opportunity to practice interprofessional education collaborative (IPEC) competencies while improving student knowledge of assistive devices for gait and medications impacting safe ambulation. Method: During the activity, second year physical therapy students instructed third year pharmacy students in the accurate fit and counseling for use of canes, crutches, and walkers. Pharmacy students then demonstrated these skills and were checked off on their ability to accurately fit and instruct consumers on basic gait patterns. The pharmacy students in turn educated the physical therapy students about medications …

The Prevalence And Characteristics Of Physical Therapy Pro Bono Services Involving Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students, Catherine E. Crandell, Jill D. Black, Robin L. Dole, Kerstin M. Palombaro

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The offering of pro bono services has been a historical practice in a number of professions including law and medicine. Medical literature suggests pro bono services provide a vital safety net for individuals who are underinsured or uninsured. Medical students commonly participate in pro bono services, however, little is known about doctor of physical therapy (DPT) student involvement. The purpose of this study was to conduct a survey of physical therapy (PT) programs accredited or in candidacy in the United States to determine the prevalence and characteristics of pro bono services involving DPT students. Method: A 30-item electronic survey …

Development Of A Survey Instrument To Explore The Characteristics Of Australian Private Physiotherapy Practitioners’ Interprofessional Interactions, Jack A. Seaton, Anne Jones, Catherine L. Johnston, Karen Francis

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Interprofessional collaboration is a complex process defined by the relationships and interactions between health practitioners from diverse professional backgrounds. Although the benefits of a collaborative health workforce are widely acknowledged, it is currently poorly understood to what extent private physiotherapy practitioners engage in interprofessional collaboration as a part of their clinical practice, and whether they consider to be adequately trained in this area. Information regarding the frequency, modes of communication, and perceived level of satisfaction associated with private physiotherapy practitioners’ interprofessional interactions is also limited. Purpose: The aim of this paper is to describe the development of a survey …

A Pilot Study Exploring The Impact Of Interprofessional Simulation On Role Clarity And Student Readiness For Collaborative Clinical Practice, Shira Schecter Weiner, Laura Hagan, Julie F. Kardachi

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Interprofessional collaboration is recognized as a healthcare practice paradigm that may decrease overall costs and minimize errors. Yet it remains common for practitioners to provide care within silos, inadequately considering the impact of their decisions on other providers and overall costs, which ultimately may negatively impact the patient. Integrating interprofessional collaboration in school curricula can establish the importance of this approach to healthcare. For optimal efficacy, every professional in the healthcare team must recognize their unique role and the roles of others, to allow for seamless interprofessional collaboration. Simulation is a teaching tool that provides students with the opportunity …

Student Experiences With Engagement In A Nursing And Physical Therapy Interprofessional Education Simulation, Sarah Koplow, Melissa Morris, Shari Rone-Adams, Heather Hettrick, Bini Litwin, Lisa B. Soontupe, Archana Vatwani

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Interprofessional Education (IPE) incorporated into healthcare discipline instruction has been shown to be successful in improving the understanding perceptions of complimentary professions. The purpose of this mixed method study was to measure differences in perceptions of early Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BSN) students and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) with participation in a immersive interprofessional education experience. Method: Students completed a pre and posttest survey consisting of the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale and several short answer qualitative questions. Cohorts of BSN and DPT students participated in a computerized mannequin simulation experience or a hybrid simulation. Results: Students …

The Effect Of Extraversion On Practical Examination Scores In Students Of Physical Therapy, Scott Richardson, Zachary Zemanek, Travis Downen, Chantsen Rich, Nate Weltzin

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a physical therapy student’s level of extraversion positively correlates to practical exam scores. Methods: Participants were a convenience sample recruited from the classes of 2018 and 2019 in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Franklin Pierce University in Goodyear, Arizona. Subjects completed the Goldberg’s Big-Five Factor Marker questionnaire as a measure of introversion/extraversion. These scores were compared with participants’ practical exam scores using a Spearman Rho statistical test with data analysis completed using SPSS software. Results: 60 participants (31 males, 29 females) with mean extraversion score (32.97+/-7.90, p=.27) and …

Grit And Academic Performance In Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students, Scott Richardson, Michael Scotto, Mayanne Belcina, Richa Patel, Kevin Wiener

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a physical therapy student’s level of grit positively correlates to graduate school grade point average. Methods: Participants were a convenience sample recruited from the class of 2021 in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Franklin Pierce University in Goodyear, Arizona. Subjects completed the Short Grit Scale (Grit-S) as a measure of grit. These scores were compared with participants’ graduate school grade point average using a Spearman Rho statistical test with data analysis completed using SPSS software. Results: 27 participants (15 males, 12 females) with mean grit score of 3.76 …

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 …