Document Type

Thesis - NSU Access Only

Title

Opinions of Clinical Instructors on Essential Functions

Authors

Sandra C. Halphen, Nova Southeastern University

Degree Name

Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)

Copyright Statement

All rights reserved. This publication is intended for use solely by faculty, students, and staff of Nova Southeastern University. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, now known or later developed, including but not limited to photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author or the publisher.

Department

College of Health Care Sciences - Physical Therapy Department

Publication Date / Copyright Date

1998

Publisher

Nova Southeastern University

NSUWorks Citation

Sandra C. Halphen. 1998. Opinions of Clinical Instructors on Essential Functions. Master's thesis. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, College of Health Care Sciences - Physical Therapy Department. (120)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/hpd_pt_stuetd/120.

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the opinions of practicing physical therapy clinicians, who serve as clinical instructors, concerning the essential functions of student physical therapists.

Subjects: 99 surveys were distributed to clinical instructors participating in the clinical educational program at Nova Southeastern University's Master of Physical Therapy Program. Fifty-two clinical instructors participated.

Method: A self-designed survey was used. The survey consisted of 4 demographic questions and a list of 13 essential functions.

Results: Utilizing appropriate verbal, nonverbal, and written communication with patients, families, and others was ranked the highest essential function at 94%. Practicing in a safe, ethical, and legal manner and safely, reliably, and efficiently performing appropriate physical therapy procedures used to assess the function of the movement system were the next highest ranking essential functions at 92%. The least agreement (37%) was found for developing and applying programs of prevention and health promotion.

Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that there are similarities among the clinical instructors and physical therapy program directors. The results of this study, along with previous studies, could be used by physical therapy programs and their clinical educators to develop essential eligibility requirements for their students.

Disciplines

Physical Therapy