National Study of Excellence in Pediatric Physical Therapy Education: Design, Methods, and Results

Excellence in Pediatric Physical Therapy Education: Recommendations and Action Items

PURPOSE

This special communication identifies evidence-based recommendations and offers action items to facilitate the uptake of new knowledge from the National Study of Excellence in Pediatric Physical Therapy Education (NSE-Peds).

SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS

The NSE-Peds identified a conceptual framework consisting of 4 key dimensions and associated elements that dynamically interact to prepare future physical therapists to meet the needs of society. The conceptual framework serves as the Knowledge Creation component of the knowledge to action (KTA) framework, but translation into practice requires the Action Cycle, the second component of the KTA framework. Recommendations and action items provide tangible products derived from the NSE-Peds conceptual framework for application in the Action Cycle.

CONCLUSIONS

Using the KTA framework, implementation of the recommendations at the level of the individual, program, and organization should enhance pediatric physical therapy education and ultimately physical therapy care provided to children and families.

Student Self-Efficacy in Pediatrics: Evaluation and Modification of the Pediatric Communication and Handling Self-Efficacy Scale

PURPOSE

Our purpose was to examine the reliability and validity of the Pediatric Communication and Handling Self-Efficacy Scale (PCHSES) and develop a shorter, modified PCHSES.

METHODS

With 92 students, the reliability of the PCHSES was assessed by determining the internal consistency of each construct (Communication; Patient Handling). Construct validity, responsiveness, and convergent validity were assessed to determine the validity.

RESULTS

Internal consistency was high for the Communication and Patient Handling constructs. Construct validity analysis produced 2 factors that explained 93% of the variance and a modified PCHSES that explained 96% of the variance in students' PCHSES scores. There were significant changes with large effect sizes over time for the Communication and the Patient Handling constructs. There were no-to-small relationships between PCHSES scores and clinical performance ratings.

CONCLUSIONS

The PCHSES and modified PCHSES are reliable and valid instruments to assess students' self-efficacy with the pediatric population. What this adds to the evidence: The PCHSES or modified PCHSES should be used to assess students' self-efficacy and facilitate education research.