A Multitrack Inquiry Model for Physical Therapist Professional Education

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this article is to describe the design and implementation of a multitrack option students enrolled in a graduate physical therapist (PT) professional preparation program. Students could select one of three inquiry tracks to satisfy program and university requirements for involvement in disciplined inquiry and scholarly writing and the granting of the Master of Science in Physical Therapy degree: (1) an independent research and thesis track, (2) a collaborative research project track, or (3) a case report track. Early experiences and outcomes with the multitrack inquiry option are discussed, with particular attention to the case report option because there is no published literature describing the use of this alternative to research requirements in PT professional preparation programs in the United States. Advantages and benefits of the model as well as disadvantages and challenges encountered in the first 2 years of experience with the model are described. INTRODUCTION In recent years, the professional journal of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Physical Therapy, has issued a call for an increasing number of submissions of case reports in addition to research reports and other forms of manuscripts.1,2 Rothstein1,3 and McEwen2,4 have suggested that, although case reports have appeared relatively rarely in Physical Therapy, case reports can constitute an important contribution to the literature and add to our body of knowledge in physical therapy through careful documentation of everyday and clinical decision-making processes. Rothstein also points out that case reports can lay the groundwork for experimental studies ... [and] share many of the characteristics of more formal scientific inquiry.'(p492) Harris,5 Schon,6- 8 and Shulman9.io also claim that a case literature contributes to a body of professional knowledge by codifying and articulating the understandings, assumptions, principles, and strategies of skilled practice.5(p48) That is, detailed case descriptions and analyses of professional help make tacit aspects of (often referred to as art, craft, or practical knowledge) explicit and elucidate practice theories.5(P49) In this way, the preparation of, and dialogue about, case reports constitutes an important form of reflective and scholarly activity for the ongoing development of professionals and the profession of physical therapy itself. This important function of case reports is captured in the mission statement of a new peerreviewed journal, Physical Therapy Case Reports, which uses clinical case reports to foster the exchange of ideas and to promote professional development of practitioners, educators, and researchers I(page i) Concurrent with the call for an expanded case report literature in physical therapy, health care consumers, providers, and reimbursers are demanding increasing documentation of treatment outcomes and effectiveness at the level of the individual patient. Such documentation is something that well-written case reports can provide. Furthermore, current evaluative criteria for accreditation of physical therapist education programs12 and professional expectations for physical therapists13 urge physical therapy educators to provide students with multiple opportunities for engaging in critical inquiry, clinical problem solving and decision making, and reflective practice. Several authors representing a variety of disciplines have pointed out that thoughtful case selection and analysis and the preparation of oral and written case reports offers fertile ground for the teaching and development of these essential skills and habits of thought and can provide a much-needed vehicle for bridging theory-practice gaps for students, educators and practitioners.5-10 In the past decade, Rothstein1,3,14 and other physical therapy educators have begun to question the by many physical therapy professional preparation programs of mandating that entry-level students conduct traditionally defined research projects as a requirement for graduation. …