Article

Acute care physical therapy is a rapidly evolving practice area, but
little is known about the skills, knowledge, and behaviors necessary for a
clinician to be most effective in this area. The objective of this
study was to perform the first nationwide survey of acute care physical
therapists to validate the knowledge, skill, and behavior sets that reflect
practice parameters specific for acute care physical therapy. DESIGN: A survey
format was used. The Acute Care Physical Therapy Practice Analysis
Survey was created on the basis of current literature and consensus of a 9-member
Subject Matter Expert (SME) Group. The survey sections addressed knowledge areas,
professional behaviors, and patient/client management approaches reflecting
practice parameters specific for acute care physical therapy. Additionally,
respondent demographic information was collected. Pilot testing necessitated
minor changes in the survey. After revision, the survey questionnaire was sent to
a sample of experienced acute care physical therapists throughout the United
States. RESULTS: A convenience sample of 522 physical therapists who identified
themselves as having extensive experience in acute care practice was used. Of
these, 254 completed the survey, for a response rate of 48.7%. Through the use of
predetermined decision rules, 34 items were eliminated on the basis of a
descriptive analysis of survey results as well as a failure of the items to meet
the threshold of specificity for acute care practice, as determined through SME
Group consensus. LIMITATIONS: The potential for self-selection bias, a sample
weighted heavily with American Physical Therapy Association members and Acute
Care Section members, and a small proportion of clinicians (<3%) with less than 1
year of acute care experience may limit generalizability of these results.
CONCLUSIONS: The results of this practice analysis describe distinct knowledge,
skills, and behaviors specific for acute care physical therapy. The outcomes of
the survey might assist in the development of professional (entry-level) acute
care competencies, a petition for the recognition of specialization in acute care
physical therapy, or both. In addition, the findings of this practice analysis
could serve as the foundation for the development of residencies or fellowships
in acute care practice.

Langue : ANGLAIS