Diversifying the Physical Therapist Workforce through Holistic Hiring, Admissions, and Retention Processes.

In 2002, the Institute of Medicine's recommendations emphasized diversifying the health care workforce to reduce racial and ethnic health disparities. Despite these efforts, the physical therapist profession remains predominantly White. The College of Saint Mary (CSM) Doctor of Physical Therapy program employs deliberate strategies through 2 committees, faculty search and admissions, to foster diversity in both faculty and student populations. The CSM DPT Program Faculty Search Committee, in collaboration with the CSM Human Resource Department, devised a comprehensive 3-phase recruitment process aimed at attracting qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds. Through purposeful mission-driven and equity-focused strategies, this approach has yielded a faculty body characterized by diversity, with 80% of faculty members self-identifying as belonging to historically excluded groups. Similarly, the Admissions Committee has adopted proactive measures to ensure a diverse student body. By implementing a holistic admissions process recommended by the Association of American Medical Colleges, including evaluating prerequisite courses and eliminating the Graduate Record Examination requirement, the committee has facilitated more equitable access to the program. Virtual interviews and thorough candidate assessments are conducted to mitigate potential biases in the selection process. As a result, these efforts have allowed us to maintain diverse cohorts, with 20-30% of our student body identifying as members of historically excluded groups. Impact. Developing and sustaining a physical therapist workforce that reflects the communities it serves necessitates purposeful, mission-driven, and equitable strategies. These strategies aim to broaden the diversity of both faculty and student populations. Through such initiatives, we aim to foster an inclusive environment that reflects our society's richness, enabling us to better understand society's complex needs and mitigate health disparities.

The exemplary physical therapist students in clinical education: a phenomenological study.

BACKGROUND: Physical therapy educators strive to achieve excellence in education and develop clinicians who are prepared to meet the health needs of society. Previous research has focused on describing the traits, beliefs, and experiences of exemplary educators and clinicians to inform didactic and clinical curricula and serve as a model for expert practice. However, no studies have explored the experiences and perspectives of exemplary students. PURPOSE: The aim of this phenomenological study was to describe the traits, beliefs, and experiences of exemplary physical therapist (PT) students in clinical education. METHODS: A phenomenological design was utilized to gather data through semi-structured interviews with 26 students from the United States who met the criteria for exemplary and were completing their terminal clinical experience or were within six months of graduation. Data were analyzed using constant comparison and methodological rigor was maintained using an inquiry audit, peer debriefing, member checking, and pilot interviewing. RESULTS: A Desire to Serve emerged as an overarching theme. The essence of being exemplary was further elucidated through the following themes: (1) Being adaptable (2) Being reflective (3) Embracing challenges and seeking opportunities (4) Valuing a collaborative relationship with their CI (5) Importance of self-care, and (6) Coming into my own as a PT. CONCLUSION: Given the emphasis on excellence in physical therapy education, these results can provide insights for defining the necessary qualities for achieving excellence in both classroom and clinical environments. Additionally, these findings can assist educators in fostering excellence-driven attributes among entry-level students.

Association of Patient-Surgeon and Patient-Physical Therapist Relationships With Return to Sports After ACL Reconstruction: The Untested Dimension in Outcome Assessments.

Background: The Quality of Patient-Surgeon Relationship (QPASREL) is an 11-item questionnaire developed and validated to assess the relationship between practitioners and patients on recovery and return to work after surgery. Purpose: To evaluate the association of patient-surgeon relationship (PSR) and patient-physical therapist relationship (PPR), as measured by QPASREL, with a patient's return to sports (RTS) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This study targeted patients who underwent primary ACLR at a specialized sports surgery referral center between January and May 2021. Patients who had revision surgery, multiligamentous knee injury, and sedentary status were excluded from the study. Patients were grouped based on ability to RTS at the preinjury level 1 year postoperatively (RTS group and no-RTS group). The primary outcome was rate of RTS at 1 year postoperatively, and the primary dependent variables were the quality of PSR and PPR as measured by QPASREL scores at 6-month intervals. Secondary outcomes were the correlation and discriminative capacity of the QPASREL compared with the Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Return to Sport After Injury (ACL-RSI) scores (collected at 6-month intervals). Results: The study included 243 patients. Patients in the RTS group exhibited a higher mean PPR QPASREL score (36.6 ± 5.1) compared with no-RTS patients (34.8 ± 5.2; P = .01) as well as a higher mean PSR score (35.7 ± 5.1) compared with no-RTS patients (33.8 ± 5.9; P = .01). Multivariate analysis showed that every 5-point increase in the QPASREL scores for PPR and PSR resulted in a 39% (odds ratio [OR] = 1.39; P = 0.014) and 35% (OR = 1.35, P = 0.021) increased odds of RTS, respectively. A weak yet positive correlation was found between QPASREL and ACL-RSI. The predictive capacity of the QPASREL (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.60 for PPR and 0.61 for PSR), although significant, was less powerful compared with that of the ACL-RSI (AUC = 0.73). Conclusion: The quality of the PPR and PSR, as measured by QPASREL scores, demonstrated a significant association with RTS rates at 1 year after ACLR. A weak yet positive correlation was found between QPASREL and ACL-RSI.

Instructing to Impact: Exploration of Doctor of Physical Therapy Education Instruction of Social Determinants of Health and Health Equity for People with Disabilities.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore instruction of social determinants of health (SDOH) for people with disabilities (PWD) in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) education programs. METHODS: A sequential mixed methods study informed by a 5-member disability community advisory panel was conducted. Qualitative semi-structured interviews with educators (n = 10) across 4 DPT programs in the Midwest were conducted and analyzed thematically. The qualitative findings formed the basis of the quantitative phase. An online survey was conducted with faculty of DPT programs in the United States (n = 254) with the most knowledge of instruction of SDOH and health equity for PWD (n = 74; 29% response rate). Quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and triangulated with qualitative data. RESULTS: SDOH for PWD is an emerging component of instruction in DPT curricula. Five themes included: emerging instruction of SDOH for PWD; conceptual frameworks informing instruction; instructional strategies; barriers to integration of SDOH for PWD; and facilitators to integration of SDOH for PWD. Quantitative analysis revealed that 71 respondents (95.9%) included disability in health equity discussions primarily focused on health care access. Limited time (n = 49; 66.2%) was the most frequently reported barrier, and educator interest in disability health equity was the most frequently reported facilitator (n = 62; 83.7%) to inclusion of the SDOH for PWD in health equity discussions. CONCLUSION: Opportunities exist in DPT curricula to build on instructional strategies, integrate SDOH frameworks, and amplify facilitators to integration of SDOH for PWD. IMPACT: To meet the needs of the 67 million Americans living with disabilities, students must have the knowledge and skills to address the complex needs of this historically marginalized population. Understanding the DPT education landscape around SDOH for PWD can guide DPT educators to more fully prepare their students to recognize and ameliorate health disparities faced by PWD.

The influence of low back pain-related attitudes and beliefs on the clinical decision making of physical therapists.

BACKGROUND: The LBP-related attitudes and beliefs of clinicians may impact the experience of patients by influencing clinician decision-making and by shaping the attitudes, beliefs, and actions of patients. The purpose of this study was to identify the specific LBP-related attitudes and beliefs of US-based physical therapists and determine if those beliefs correlate with clinical decision-making. METHODS: An electronic survey was sent to US-based physical therapists. Attitudes and beliefs were measured using the Health Care Providers' Pain and Impairment Relationship Scale (HC-PAIRS) and the Pain and Impairment Relationship Scale for Physiotherapists (PABS-PT). The survey also included 2 patient vignettes that collected information about clinical decision-making. RESULTS: Complete survey responses were recorded from 420 physical therapists. Eleven of the 27 attitude and beliefs questions were answered in a more biomedically oriented way by at least 20% of respondents. Physical therapist low back pain-related attitudes and beliefs were associated with activity and management strategies for both vignettes in the expected direction. Higher scores on HC-PAIRS and PABS-BM were associated with more restrictive work and activity recommendations, lower-intensity exercise choices, biomechanical rationale for manual therapy and motor control exercises, pathoanatomical-focused education, and use of modalities. CONCLUSION: Some physical therapists hold biomedically oriented beliefs about the connection between pain and physical activity. Clinician beliefs were associated with activity and work recommendations, and treatment choices. Physical therapists with more biomedically oriented beliefs were more likely to limit physical activity and work, and less likely to incorporate psychologically informed interventions.

Italian versions of the Neurophysiology of Pain Questionnaire (NPQ): psychometric properties and an investigation on the understanding of pain neurophysiology in physical therapists.

OBJECTIVES: The Neurophysiology of Pain Questionnaire (NPQ) is widely used to assess pain knowledge among clinicians and patients with pain, but an Italian version is not available. This study aimed to translate and cross-culturally adapt the NPQ into Italian, to test its psychometric properties, to assess the knowledge of Italian physical therapists (PTs) on pain, and to evaluate which characteristics are associated with pain knowledge. METHODS: The NPQ was translated into Italian, integrated with some additional questions (IT-NPQ-New), and sent by email via the Italian Association of Physiotherapy newsletter. Rasch analysis (RA) was used to test the psychometric properties of the Italian versions. Multivariable regression analyses were used to check for associations between participants' characteristics and their NPQ scores. RESULTS: A sample of 753 PTs completed the survey. RA of the NPQ-19 and IT-NPQ-New revealed that 10 (IT-NPQ-10) and 18 (IT-NPQ-18) items fit the model. Both questionnaires showed good psychometric properties. The overall median score among Italian PTs was 6.0 [5.0-7.0] and 11.0 [9.0-13.0] points for the IT-NPQ-10 and the IT-NPQ-18, respectively. These scores were statistically different among groups according to gender, age, years of professional activity, post-graduate specialization and days attended of targeted pain courses, with the latter being the most influential variable. CONCLUSIONS: Italian PTs now dispose of two tools to assess their basic knowledge related to pain science. Our study also showed that pain knowledge among Italian PTs needs improvement, especially considering recent biopsychosocial approaches to pain.

Transformation of Mandatory Physiotherapy Internship into A Structured Competency-Based Program: A Pilot Study.

Introduction: Health professions education is challenging in terms of developing ways to construct and assess the amalgamation of knowledge, skills and attitudes that result in novice graduates to be self-aware and confident to practice without supervision. Currently, the Physiotherapy internship program in India does not have a comprehensive competency-based framework. With the current batch of interns facing the wrath of the COVID-19 pandemic during their undergraduate training, it is a matter of concern to ensure they have developed the required competencies to handle patients independently. Methods: This is a single-group interventional study using convenience sampling. A competency framework inclusive of a comprehensive assessment and training module was developed and introduced to 27 physiotherapy interns. Every intern underwent 10 training sessions along with 8 competency assessments during 6 months of internship training. A pre-post indigenous questionnaire was used to assess their self-perceived competency along with feedback questionnaire taken at the end of the module. Results: Implementation of the competency framework revealed a statistically significant difference in the self-perceived competency (pre=84.36±10.98, post=98.55±8.74, p≤0.000). Having uniformity in assessment techniques among the faculty, being exposed to challenging cases during assessment, having training module at the beginning of the internship were some of the suggestions given by the participants. Conclusion: Competency based education offers to be an effective technique in health professional program. Incorporating a competency-based training would help the learners to understand their strengths and weaknesses that would go a long way to develop competent health-care professionals. Developing such framework in curriculum will emphasize standardization of learning outcomes, thereby resulting in quality education, further enhancing patient care, and improving the health outcomes worldwide.

Knowledge and attitude toward transcranial magnetic stimulation among rehabilitation specialists in Saudi Arabia.

Research has demonstrated the benefits of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in rehabilitation. TMS has been widely used in clinical and research settings for individuals with and without neurological dysfunctions. Therefore, understanding the knowledge and attitudes of rehabilitation specialists regarding TMS is crucial for its application. To our knowledge, no such studies have previously been conducted in the rehabilitation field. Therefore, this study is the first to assess rehabilitation specialists' knowledge of and attitudes toward TMS. An observational cross-sectional study using a self-administered online survey was conducted among 102 rehabilitation specialists to assess their knowledge and attitudes regarding TMS application in rehabilitation sciences. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to describe the knowledge and attitudes of rehabilitation specialists toward TMS and examine the impact of different factors such as gender, education level, acceptability, and practice on these outcomes. Rehabilitation specialists who participated in this study showed a limited level of general knowledge of TMS in rehabilitation (7.81 ± 6.20, 37.19%). However, a significant association between educational levels and knowledge was found. Higher knowledge scores were observed for specialists with post-graduate degrees compared to those with only a bachelor's degree. Moreover, knowledge level, experience, and availability of TMS equipment in the workplace led to a positive attitude toward TMS among rehabilitation specialists. A low knowledge level among rehabilitation specialists was attributed to their level of education. Nevertheless, specialists showed an overall positive attitude toward TMS. Therefore, customized medical education is necessary to incorporate TMS theory and applications into neuroscience and rehabilitation courses for rehabilitation specialists as it holds significant promise as a therapeutic tool.

Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of physical therapists towards conventional physical therapy-across-sectional study.

Background: Conventional physical therapy (CPT) is widely used in clinical practice and known to contribute beneficially to patient's health conditions but remains loosely defined. Research has shown inconsistency in the definition and utilization of CPT among physical therapists in clinical and research settings, limiting its generalisability and reproducibility. Therefore, this study evaluates physical therapists' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions toward CPT. Methods: A cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire containing 36 questions was distributed among 238 licensed physical therapists. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to measure the physical therapists' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions towards CPT. Results: Physical therapists showed limited knowledge of CPT in rehabilitation (4.09±1.698, 51%). However, the knowledge scores were significantly associated with age (P=0.002), educational levels (P=0.006), and years of work experience (P=0.001). Nevertheless, physical therapists showed an overall positive attitude towards CPT and perceived it as essential to rehabilitation. Conclusion: Most physical therapists have low knowledge about CPT but positive attitudes and perceptions. Therefore, customized medical education is necessary to incorporate CPT theories and applications into physical therapists' rehabilitation programs.

Telerehabilitation in Physical Therapist Practice: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American Physical Therapy Association.

A clinical practice guideline on telerehabilitation was developed by an American Physical Therapy Association volunteer guideline development group consisting of international physical therapists and physiotherapists, a physician, and a consumer. The guideline was based on systematic reviews of current scientific literature, clinical information, and accepted approaches to telerehabilitation in physical therapist practice. Seven recommendations address the impact of, preparation for, and implementation of telerehabilitation in physical therapist practice. Research recommendations identify current gaps in knowledge. Overall, with shared decision-making between clinicians and patients to inform patients of service delivery options, direct and indirect costs, barriers, and facilitators of telerehabilitation, the evidence supports the use of telerehabilitation by physical therapists for both examination and intervention. The Spanish and Chinese versions of this clinical practice guideline, as well as the French version of the recommendations, are available as supplementary material (Suppl. Materials).

Job satisfaction among physiotherapists working as an academician in Gujarat-A cross-sectional study.

CONTEXT: Job satisfaction is an integral part of an individual's Professional life. It denotes to the worker's perception of their workplace settings, relationships among fellows, salary as well as endorsement opportunities. AIM: To determine job satisfaction among physiotherapists working as academicians in Gujarat, India. STUDY DESIGN: A Cross-Sectional Study. METHODS AND MATERIAL: A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire was developed on Google Forms and consisted of 15 closed questions, equally distributed on job and career satisfaction, eight of which focused on job satisfaction, and seven on career satisfaction. The socio-demographic factor and work related factor questions were also added to the questionnaire. A total of 102 responses were received and recorded on an Excel spreadsheet for further data analysis. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Descriptive analysis and Chi-square test were performed using SPSS. RESULTS: The respondents from different colleges working in government or private colleges, different age groups, marital status and having children or no children and different years of job experience showed non-significant differences in the job satisfaction (p value > 0.05). There was a significant difference in gender and salary the respondents received (p value < 0.05). The study revealed that from a total of 26 (100%) male participants, 10 (38.5%) male participants were satisfied and 16 (61.5%) male were dissatisfied, whereas from a total of 76 (100%) female participants, 58 (76.3) female were satisfied and 18 (23.7%) female were dissatisfied. CONCLUSION: Majority of physiotherapists in the current study were satisfied with their job and career, but different factors need to be considered in order to gain high satisfaction in different factors of job satisfaction. The study also concluded major dissatisfaction in salary. Recognition in the society and research opportunities in India.

Predictive Factors for Physiotherapy Session Length at an Adult Intensive Care Unit: A Longitudinal Panel Study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify predictive factors for the length of physiotherapy sessions for adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients. DESIGN: Longitudinal panel study. SETTING: ICU of a secondary-care public teaching hospital, the University Hospital at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: Medical and surgical patients who received physiotherapy (N=181) assessed in 339 physiotherapy sessions. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The study investigator followed physiotherapists during their work shift and timed the physiotherapy session's length with a stopwatch. The association between session length and patient, physiotherapist, and service-related factors was evaluated by a mixed model. RESULTS: Assessed in this study were 339 physiotherapy sessions during 79 periods of observation that involved 181 patients and 19 physiotherapists. Median session length was 29 (interquartile range: 22.6-38.9) minutes; median number of patients assisted per physiotherapist per 6-hour shift was 5 (4-5). Physiotherapist's median age was 35 (26-39) years old, and median ICU experience was 13.0 (0.4-16.0) years. Patients were mostly older adults who were post surgery and had been at the ICU for 5 (2-9) days. Factors associated with physiotherapy session length (min) were the following: performing both motor- and respiratory-related physiotherapy procedures during the session (ß=6.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.8-9.2), altered chest x-ray (ß=2.8; 95% CI, 0.3-5.3), ICU mobility scale (IMS) (ß=1.2; 95% CI, 0.4-2.0), contraindication to any level of out-of-bed mobilization (ß=-6.9; 95% CI, -10.5 to -3.3), afternoon shift (ß=-4.0; 95% CI, -6.7 to -1.4), and Barthel index (ß=-0.2; 95% CI, -0.3 to -0.1). CONCLUSIONS: The factors associated with longer session lengths were performing both motor- and respiratory-related physiotherapy procedures during the session, altered chest x-ray, and the IMS. Contraindication to any level of out-of-bed mobilization and sessions performed during the afternoon shift (vs the morning shift) were associated with shorter session lengths.

Physical Therapists' Acceptance of a Wearable, Fabric-Based Sensor System (Motion Tape) for Use in Clinical Practice: Qualitative Focus Group Study.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is a costly global health condition that affects individuals of all ages and genders. Physical therapy (PT) is a commonly used and effective intervention for the management of LBP and incorporates movement assessment and therapeutic exercise. A newly developed wearable, fabric-based sensor system, Motion Tape, uses novel sensing and data modeling to measure lumbar spine movements unobtrusively and thus offers potential benefits when used in conjunction with PT. However, physical therapists' acceptance of Motion Tape remains unexplored. OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this research study was to evaluate physical therapists' acceptance of Motion Tape to be used for the management of LBP. The secondary aim was to explore physical therapists' recommendations for future device development. METHODS: Licensed physical therapists from the American Physical Therapy Association Academy of Leadership Technology Special Interest Group participated in this study. Overall, 2 focus groups (FGs; N=8) were conducted, in which participants were presented with Motion Tape samples and examples of app data output on a poster. Informed by the Technology Acceptance Model, we conducted semistructured FGs and explored the wearability, usefulness, and ease of use of and suggestions for improvements in Motion Tape for PT management of LBP. FG data were transcribed and analyzed using rapid qualitative analysis. RESULTS: Regarding wearability, participants perceived that Motion Tape would be able to adhere for several days, with some variability owing to external factors. Feedback was positive for the low-profile and universal fit, but discomfort owing to wires and potential friction with clothing was of concern. Other concerns included difficulty with self-application and potential skin sensitivity. Regarding usefulness, participants expressed that Motion Tape would enhance the efficiency and specificity of assessments and treatment. Regarding ease of use, participants stated that the app would be easy, but data management and challenges with interpretation were of concern. Physical therapists provided several recommendations for future design improvements including having a wireless system or removable wires, customizable sizes for the tape, and output including range of motion data and summary graphs and adding app features that consider patient input and context. CONCLUSIONS: Several themes related to Motion Tape's wearability, usefulness, and ease of use were identified. Overall, physical therapists expressed acceptance of Motion Tape's potential for assessing and monitoring low back posture and movement, both within and outside clinical settings. Participants expressed that Motion Tape would be a valuable tool for the personalized treatment of LBP but highlighted several future improvements needed for Motion Tape to be used in practice.

Toward sleep health as a focus of physical therapy practice: one lecture can positively impact sleep knowledge and beliefs in entry-level students.

BACKGROUND: Challenges to integrating health promotion including sleep health into entry-level physical therapist curricula include lack of faculty expertise, time, and support. A lecture provided by a content expert may mitigate such challenges. The purpose of this study was to determine if a sleep education session impacts Doctor of Physical Therapy students' knowledge and beliefs about sleep. METHODS: Faculty shared the opportunity to participate in the study 1-3 days prior to the remotely-provided lecture including sleep health assessment and interventions. The survey included demographics, a sleep health knowledge question, 11 questions on "What I think about sleep as a professional", and the 20-item Sleep Beliefs Scale. McNemar's and paired sample t-tests determined change in knowledge and beliefs. RESULTS: 209 individuals (70% female, 86% Caucasian, 25.5 ± 3.4 years old) completed the pre-lecture survey, and 137 individuals completed the post-lecture survey. There was an increase in knowledge about sleep health (p < .001) and change in Sleep Beliefs Scales score (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: A single remotely provided sleep education session increased DPT students' knowledge and changed their beliefs about sleep. Future studies should determine if these positive beliefs about sleep translate into clinical practice and enhance patient outcomes.

Physical Therapist Interventions Versus or Combined With Surgical Treatment in Nontraumatic Degenerative Meniscal Pathology: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to synthesize the evidence from randomized clinical trials in people with nontraumatic degenerative meniscal pathology by comparing physical therapist interventions versus or combined with arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM). METHODS: Seven electronic databases were searched. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Data synthesis was performed with random-effects network meta-analysis, and results were summarized using the standardized mean differences. RESULTS: From 2103 studies, 10 randomized clinical trials comprising 1411 individuals were included. Ninety percent of the selected randomized clinical trials were classified as good quality according to the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. All interventions (physical therapist interventions, APM, and APM plus physical therapist interventions) showed reduced pain and physical impairments at 3-month follow-up. However, when a physical therapist intervention was included, greater reductions in pain at rest (APM vs physical therapist interventions: 0.73 [95% CI = 0.20 to 1.26]; APM vs APM plus physical therapist interventions: 0.59 [95% CI = 0.15 to 1.03]) and greater increases in the strength of knee extensor muscles (APM vs physical therapist interventions: 0.44 [95% CI = 0.07 to 0.80]; APM vs APM plus physical therapist interventions: 0.73 [95% CI = 0.29 to 1.16]) were observed at 3 months. By contrast, no differences were found between treatments beyond 3 months. CONCLUSION: Physical therapist interventions based on exercise programs demonstrate superior short-term outcomes in pain reduction and knee extensor strength compared to surgical treatment. IMPACT: For nontraumatic degenerative meniscal pathology, conservative treatment utilizing a physical therapist intervention approach should be prioritized as the first choice over surgical treatment. It offers comparable or superior short-term pain reduction and strength improvements, with a lower risk of side effects. In cases where surgery is deemed necessary, including postsurgical, physical therapist interventions are highly recommended to enhance muscle strength and alleviate pain.

A pilot study of US HTC physical therapists' concordance of PT MASAC recommendations and educational needs.

INTRODUCTION: Physical therapists (PTs) are essential providers within the Hemophilia Treatment Centers (HTCs) team caring for persons with inherited blood disorders (PWBD). OBJECTIVE: Little is known regarding PTs understanding and concordance of MASAC PT Recommendations (MASAC#238), educational resources used to maintain competency and support for a mentorship programme. METHODS: PTs at federally funded HTCs were eligible to participate in a descriptive non-validated study exploring: (i) demographics, (ii) educational background, (iii) experience in evaluation and treatment of PWBD, (iv) practice patterns indicative of concordance with MASAC#238 and (v) opinion regarding PT mentorship. RESULTS: Respondents experience caring for PWBD ranged 1-36 years, treating both adults and children. Although most acknowledged awareness of MASAC#238, dropout (14/44, 31.8%) was noted; 28/30 (93.3%) who continued were aware of the recommendations. Level of concordance with MASAC#238 varied (range 64.3%-96.2%) regarding: signs/symptoms, treatment of muscle/joint bleeding and pre/post synovectomy and knee replacement treatment. Many PTs identified patients as individual and unique, thus not all recommendations may apply. PTs utilised available educational programmes. No relationships were noted regarding years of practice, education and years caring for PWBD. All respondents favoured a mentorship programme citing benefits, but also outlined barriers. CONCLUSIONS: Provision of necessary financial support for optimal function of a full-time PT within the HTC can enhance standards of care for PWBD. Supporting educational opportunities may enhance concordance with current MASAC PT Recommendations. Respondents valued development of a structured, hands-on mentorship programme. MASAC#23 has recently been updated in May 2023 to MASAC#275.

Implementation of Physical Therapist Services for Men Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy: An Administrative Case Report.

OBJECTIVE: Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in the USA, and radical prostatectomy (RP) is the primary surgical treatment option. With an increasing number of men undergoing RP and surviving prostate cancer, clinical management strategies have broadened to improve the preoperative and postoperative patient experience and minimize treatment-related functional consequences. Urinary incontinence is a predictable functional consequence of RP. Recent reviews recommend preoperative and postoperative physical therapist services as the standard of care for men undergoing RP to decrease the severity of urinary incontinence and improve patients' quality of life. Despite compelling evidence, the routine provision of physical therapist services preoperatively and postoperatively for men undergoing RP is limited. The purpose of this case report is to describe the implementation of preoperative and postoperative physical therapist services for men undergoing RP in a US health care system using the knowledge-to-action process and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research frameworks. CASE DESCRIPTION: The implementation process included 4 steps: (1) development of a preoperative and postoperative physical therapist services program; (2) identification of barriers and enablers for implementation; (3) implementation of the program; and (4) evaluation of the effectiveness of the implemented program. RESULTS: Outcomes from the implementation of a physical therapist services program for men undergoing RP included lower urinary incontinence rates, improved patient satisfaction, and increased physical therapist utilization. CONCLUSION: This case report documents the implementation of physical therapist services for men undergoing RP. The use of implementation frameworks enabled the identification of unique enablers, barriers, and strategies for the implementation of physical therapist services for men undergoing RP. IMPACT: Implementing preoperative and postoperative physical therapist services for men undergoing RP improves patient outcomes. The implementation process and outcomes can be considered by other health care systems when developing preoperative and postoperative physical therapist services for men undergoing RP.

Identifying Perspectives on Physical Therapist Residency Program Goals: Hallmarks of Success and Excellence.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe common perspectives important to achieving excellence and success in physical therapist residency education programs. METHODS: Individuals with direct responsibility for creating and revising physical therapist residency program goals participated in a mixed-methods study using Q-methodology. They sorted 31 goal topics based on the level of importance for achieving excellence and success in physical therapist residency education. By-participant factor analysis identified dominant perspectives, which were interpreted based on emergent themes from the topics identified as the most important. Participants' rationale for selecting goal topics as the most important were extracted from the post-survey. RESULTS: Seventy-three individuals responded, representing 9 of the 11 clinical residency areas of practice. Three main perspectives emerged: resident behaviors, resident achievements, and program attributes. One shared perspective emerged across all 3 factors that emphasized the residents' ability to become self-regulated, lifelong learners who integrate learning into practice: preparation for future learning. CONCLUSIONS: Variability in weighting the importance of program goals associated with each perspective may include a program's organization and mission, individual beliefs and experiences related to program leadership, and resource availability. Although respondent emphasis placed importance of some items over others, the findings do not suggest that items ranked lower were unnecessary or unimportant in achieving program excellence. The relative importance of items was weighted differently based on the perspective of program leadership and the individual completing the sorting activity. IMPACT: The results of this study suggest that physical therapist residency programs should have at least 1 or 2 goals in each of the 3 distinct perspectives, as well as the 1 shared perspective identified in our findings. Some consistency in program goals based on the perspectives identified here may enable further research exploring excellence, value, and outcomes in physical therapist residency education.

A Survey on the Use of Outcome Measures during Physical Therapy Interventions by Physical Therapists in Korea.

The purpose of this study was to determine the current status of patient care provided by Korean physical therapists (KPTs) in clinical practice by studying the outcome measures (OMs) used in physical therapy interventions among KPTs with experience in treating patients. A total of 225 KPTs with experience in treating patients in clinical settings participated in the study and completed the online questionnaire. The questionnaire included questions about the use of OMs and the reasons for using them, as well as the types, benefits, and barriers of OMs. The participants' responses were analyzed and reported in terms of frequencies and percentages. A total of 220 questionnaires were analyzed. The results show that the majority of KPTs in clinical practice used OMs during interventions. The main reasons for using OMs were to check the patient's condition and to determine the direction and effectiveness of treatment. In terms of the types of OMs used, the highest percentage of subjects used both patient-reported OMs (PROMs) and performance-based OMs (PBOMs). They chose OMs that were quick and easy to use and used them voluntarily. Barriers to and reasons for not using OMs were similar, including lack of benefits, lack of time, and problems with patient performance and uncooperative behavior. When analyzing the effect of demographic characteristics on the use of OMs, we found that physical therapists specializing in musculoskeletal and neurological systems, physical therapists with longer treatment times, and physical therapists who valued OMs were more likely to use them. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that improvements in the work environment and healthcare system are needed to enhance the professionalism of KPTs working in the field of physical agent therapy by improving their awareness of Oms and improving the quality of physical therapy interventions.