Attitudes and Perceptions of Computer Applications Among Baccalaureate Physical Therapy Students

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was three-fold: (1) to examine physical therapy students' opinions about computers, (2) to examine PT students' self-assessment of the gaps between their current and desired knowledge about computer applications in the physical therapy profession, and (3) to assess PT students' exposure through formal coursework. Three instruments were used to collect data from a sample of 160 physical therapy students. Descriptive statistics, Pearson Product Moment Correlation, and Friedman's Two-Way Analysis of Variance were conducted to analyze the data. Results revealed that physical therapy students reported positive opinions regarding computers and that their desire for knowledge was higher than their current level of knowledge. Overall, this study points to the need to assess PT students' perceived knowledge of computer applications prior to curriculum development.