Predictors of Clinical Performance on the Revised Physical Therapist Clinical Performance Instrument 3.0

Authors

• Derrick F. Campbell, University of St. Augustine for Health SciencesFollow
• Nancy G. Hellman, University of St. Augustine for Health SciencesFollow
• Felicity Macahilig-Rice, University of St. Augustine for Health SciencesFollow
• Sean E. Witkin, University of St. Augustine for Health SciencesFollow
• Mansoor Alameri, University of St Augustine for Health SciencesFollow

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the 12 performance criteria from the revised American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Physical Therapist Clinical Performance Instrument 3.0 (PT CPI 3.0) on predicting Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student clinical performance outcomes during clinical education experiences. The PT CPI 3.0 was revised in 2023 to measure DPT student clinical performance. Identifying predictors for clinical performance may help flag students who struggle to meet or fall below performance expectations.

Method: A convenience sample of 693 DPT students from a large U.S. multi-campus program during Fall 2023 clinical education experiences participated. Using an exploratory, cross-sectional, retrospective design, multiple linear regression analysis investigated the impact of the 12 PT CPI 3.0 performance criteria ratings at chronological midterm assessments on predicting final clinical performance ratings from clinical instructors. The clinical education experiences included: (1) Integrated Clinical Experience, (2) Terminal Clinical Experience I, and (3) Terminal Clinical Experience II.

Results: The regression model was statistically significant (R²=.301, F (12,741) =26.559, p2=30.1%. CPI 3.0 performance criteria that predicted the final clinical performance ratings included plan of care (β=.242, p=<.026), clinical reasoning (β=.235, p=.022), interventions (β=.216, p=<.028), and professional growth (β=.144, p=.041). CPI 3.0 performance criteria that did not predict the final clinical performance ratings included ethical practice (β=.101,p=.174), legal practice (β=.068, p=.375), communication (β=.132, p=.129), inclusivity (β=.084,p=.239), exam, evaluation and diagnosis (β=.165,p=.095), documentation (β=.104,p=.173), financial management (β=.030, p=.711), and guiding support (β=.061,p=.471). After entering all PT CPI 3.0 performance criteria, the total variance explained by the predictive model as whole was R² =30.1%.

Conclusions: The APTA PT CPI 3.0 midterm ratings for clinical reasoning, professional growth, plan of care, and interventions were significant predictors of overall clinical performance. Identifying students who fall below expectations at midterm may help clinical educators provide timely remediation support.

Author Bio(s)

Derrick F. Campbell, PT, DPT, ScD, is Director of Clinical Education and Associate Professor in the College of Rehabilitation Sciences Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in Austin, Texas. He is also a licensed physical therapist practitioner in the state of Texas.

Nancy G. Hellman, PT, DPT, EdD, is Associate Director of Clinical Education and Assistant Professor in the College of Rehabilitation Sciences Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in Austin, Texas. She is also a licensed physical therapist practitioner in the state of Texas.

Felicity Macahilig-Rice PT, DPT, is Director of Clinical Education and Assistant Professor in the College of Rehabilitation Sciences Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in San Marcos, California. She is also a licensed physical therapist practitioner in the state of California.

Sean E. Witkin PT, DPT, is Associate Director of Clinical Education and Faculty Instructor in the College of Rehabilitation Sciences Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in San Marcos, California. He is also a licensed physical therapist practitioner in the state of California.

Mansoor Alameri, PT, MPT, PhD, is Associate Director of Clinical Education and Assistant Professor in the College of Rehabilitation Sciences Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in Austin, Texas. He is also a licensed physical therapist practitioner in the state of Texas.

Recommended Citation

Campbell DF, Hellman NG, Macahilig-Rice F, Witkin SE, Alameri M. Predictors of Clinical Performance on the Revised Physical Therapist Clinical Performance Instrument 3.0. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2026 Sep 01;24(3), Article 10.