Attitudes and Beliefs of Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant Program Directors in the United States Towards Interprofessional Education

Authors

Lawrence Ramiscal, Augusta UniversityFollow
Christopher Truelove Jr., Augusta UniversityFollow
Vahe Heboyan, Augusta UniversityFollow
Gianluca De Leo, Augusta UniversityFollow

Abstract

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, most PTA program directors do not support the importance of accreditation in implementing IPE (pConclusion:Program directors agree that IPE is vital to student learning, with Communication as the most important IPE competency. However, specific differences between PT and PTA program directors emerged primarily on IPE implementation, the role of accreditation, resource support, and resource utilization.

Author Bio(s)

Lawrence S. Ramiscal, PT, DPT, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Physical Therapy, Augusta University in Augusta, GA. He is also a board-certified orthopedic physical therapy specialist (OCS) and Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT).

Christopher A. Truelove, Jr., MSCIN, RRT-NPS, is an Assistant Professor and Respiratory Therapy Program Director at the Department of Undergraduate Health Professions, Augusta University in Augusta, GA. He is a practicing respiratory therapist and a neonatal/pediatric specialist.

Vahé Heboyan, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor at the Department of Population Health Science, Augusta University in Augusta, GA.

Gianluca de Leo, Ph.D., MBA, is a Professor at the Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Augusta University in Augusta, GA.

DOI

10.46743/1540-580X/2022.2144

Recommended Citation

Ramiscal L, Truelove C, Heboyan V, De Leo G. Attitudes and Beliefs of Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant Program Directors in the United States Towards Interprofessional Education. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2022 Jan 03;20(1), Article 13.