Effects of Clinical Education on the Productivity of Private Practice Facilities

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of senior clinical affiliations on the productivity of private practice clinics. The monthly patient billing data of 18 students with their clinical instructors (CI) were collected and compared with similar data of the CI alone in a comparable month. Causal comparative and descriptive designs were used. While the students were present, an average daily increase of $216.77 was calculated, along with a daily increase of 3.25 patient visits. Both of these increases were found to be significant (p<.05). No significant difference existed in the average charge per patient. (p>.05). The results suggest that senior physical therapy students have positive effects on the productivity of private practice clinics while completing their senior clinical affiliations.