Clinical instructors' perceptions of DPT Student behaviors during clinical education experiences
Author | : Andrew Fila |
Publisher | : |
Total Pages | : 37 |
Release | : 2018 |
ISBN-10 | : OCLC:1153417753 |
ISBN-13 | : |
Rating | : 4/5 (53 Downloads) |
Book excerpt: BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: A minimum of 30 weeks of full time clinical education experiences are required in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs. Clinical education is of high value in shaping a student to become a competent entry level physical therapist. Both clinical instructor (CI) and students play a valuable role determining the outcome of the clinical experience. Prior research has explored CI behaviors that contribute to clinical education experiences. However, recent studies of the DPT student behavior that contribute to clinical education experiences are limited. The purpose of this study was to identify clinical instructors’ perceptions of the DPT students’ behaviors that impact clinical education experiences. PARTICIPANTS: 22 CIs in West Michigan. Inclusion criteria: a licensed PT in the United States, having served as a CI for at least 2 students, having served as a CI for at least one DPT student in the past 3 years. METHODS: This study used a qualitative framework with focus groups and a one-on-one interview. Standard questions were asked to facilitate discussion among the participants, with prompts and follow-up questions for clarification. Each focus group interview was digitally-recorded and transcribed verbatim. RESULTS: Data were analyzed using the constant-comparative method. Seven themes were found: Commitment to learning, communication/interpersonal skills, professionalism/responsibility, critical thinking/problem solving, constructive feedback, effective use of time and resources, and stress management. Each of these themes had both positive and negative behaviors. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Data revealed that Cis perceive that a range of positive and negative DPT student behaviors impact a clinical education experience. Three predominate themes emerged: Commitment to learning, communication/interpersonal skills, and professionalism/responsibility. These themes are consistent with findings of previous studies of student behaviors. These findings may assist academic and clinical educators to prepared DPT students for clinical education experiences.