A Model for Teaching Social Determinants of Health in Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs

Authors

Elise N. Bjork, University of St. Augustine for Health SciencesFollow
Rupal M. Patel PT, PhD, Texas Woman's UniversityFollow
Rebecca Operacz, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow
DeAndrea B. Melvey, Emory UniversityFollow
Luciano Garcia III, Texas Woman's UniversityFollow

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to 1) describe the development and implementation of a novel educational module on social determinants of health (SDOH) for Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students, and 2) to assess the effectiveness of the module on altering DPT students’ knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and barriers in addressing SDOH. Methods: Drawing on current literature, content expert feedback, identity theory, and experiential learning theory, a two-hour module on SDOH was created and delivered at two universities. The Physical Therapy Social Determinants of Health Scale (PT-SDHS) was used to assess change in students’ knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and barriers to addressing SDOH in physical therapy settings. Paired-samples t-tests compared the mean overall score on the PT-SDHS as well as the summed score for each of the four domains assessed: knowledge, attitudes, beliefs about others, and personal barriers. Responses to three short answer questions were also coded to identify themes. Results: Thirty-one paired samples of pre-test and post-test PT-SDHS data were analyzed showing DPT students reported a significantly higher total PT‑SDHS score (Mean Difference = +10.61, SE=1.72, t(31)=6.161, Conclusion: This is the first study to describe the development, implementation, and assessment of an educational module on SDOH for DPT students and to find a significant improvement in DPT students’ self-reported knowledge on screening, resource provision, and ability to address SDOH in physical therapy settings. Development of SDOH curricular components can follow this method to generate effective learning activities for healthcare students.

Author Bio(s)

Elise N Bjork, PT, DPT, PhD(c) is an Assistant Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Austin, Texas and a PhD Candidate at Texas Woman's University in Houston, Texas. She is also an ABPTS Board-Certified Sports Clinical Specialist.

Rupal M Patel, PT, PhD is an Associate Professor in the School of Physical Therapy at Texas Woman’s University in Houston, Texas. She is also a consistent leader in the American Physical Therapy Association.

Rebecca Operacz, PT, DPT, EdD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the Jefferson College of Rehabilitation Sciences in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is also an ABPTS Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy.

DeAndrea Bullock Melvey, PT, DPT is an Assistant Professor and Co-Director of Clinical Education in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.

Luciano Garcia III, PT, ScD is an Assistant Professor in the School of Physical Therapy at Texas Woman’s University in Houston, Texas. He is also an ABPTS Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy.

Recommended Citation

Bjork EN, Patel RM, Operacz R, Melvey DB, Garcia L. A Model for Teaching Social Determinants of Health in Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2025 Jul 28;23(3), Article 14.