Ethnicity Does Not Impact Physical Therapy Students’ Clinical Readiness and Performance, a United States Exploratory Study

Authors

Derrick F. Campbell, University of St. Augustine for Health SciencesFollow
Jean-Michel Brismee, Texas Tech University Health Sciences CenterFollow
Brad Allen, Texas Tech University Health Sciences CenterFollow
Troy L. Hooper, Texas Tech University Health Sciences CenterFollow
Manuel A. Domenech, University of St. Augustine for Health SciencesFollow
Kathleen J. Manella, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow

Abstract

Purpose: To explore the impact of ethnicity on clinical readiness and performance among Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students, as determined by 1) Physical Therapist Self-Efficacy (PTSE) score, 2) self-confidence treating patients, and 3) final American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Clinical Performance Instrument (CPI) clinical reasoning and summative ratings during clinical experiences. Methods: This study is a survey-based, descriptive, and exploratory cross-sectional research design involving sample of 211 DPT students evaluated for differences across ethnic students’ groups 1) PTSE score during student clinical experiences, 2) confidence with treating initial and subsequent same-patient visits, and 3) final CPI clinical reasoning and summative scores during clinical experiences. Results: Kruskal-Wallis test showed no difference across ethnic groups (American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian/Pacific Islander, Black or African American, Hispanic, White or Caucasian, prefer not to answer, and multiple ethnicity) in 1) clinical reasoning self-efficacy (PTSE), n=211, p=.438; 2) confidence treating at initial visit n=211, p=.088 and subsequent patient visits n=211, p=.584; and 3) clinical performance on the CPI for clinical reasoning n=211, p=.273 and summative n=211, p=.189 scores. Conclusions and Recommendations: All ethnic groups demonstrated strong clinical readiness and performance during each clinical experience level. Ethnic groups did not differ on clinical reasoning self-efficacy or confidence treating patients. Although the gap appears to be closing, there continues to be underrepresentation of ethnic groups in DPT programs. We recommend investigating factors impacting underrepresentation of ethnic groups in DPT academic programs to explore initiatives to close the diversity gap and best match societal representation.

Author Bio(s)

Dr. Derrick F. Campbell, PT, DPT, ScD, is an Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences DPT program in Austin, Texas. He is a board-certified specialist in orthopedic physical therapy, and licensed physical therapist in the state of Texas.

Dr. Jean-Michel Brismee, PT, ScD, is a Professor in the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Science (ScD) programs in physical therapy at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) in Lubbock, Texas. He educates nationally and internationally on topics related to advanced orthopedic medicine and manual therapy.

Dr. Brad Allen, PT, ScD, is the Program Director of the Doctor of Science (ScD) program in Physical Therapy at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) in Lubbock, Texas.

Dr. Troy L. Hooper, PT, LAT, ATC, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Science (ScD) programs in physical therapy at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) in Lubbock, Texas.

Dr. Manuel A. Domenech, PT, DPT, MS, EdD, is Professor and DPT Program Director of the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in Austin, Texas.

Dr. Kathleen Manella, PT, PhD is Professor and DPT Program DIrector at Nova Southeastern University – Tampa Bay Regional Campus in Tampa, Florida.

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to graciously acknowledge University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Assistant Professor Dr. Leiselle Pilgrim, PT, DPT, EdD, for her contributions providing inclusive language for contemporary practice.

DOI

10.46743/1540-580X/2023.2225

Recommended Citation

Campbell DF, Brismee J, Allen B, Hooper TL, Domenech MA, Manella KJ. Ethnicity Does Not Impact Physical Therapy Students’ Clinical Readiness and Performance, a United States Exploratory Study. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2023 Jan 04;21(1), Article 9.