Factors in Successful Humanities Integration: A Case Study of One Physical Therapist Education Program

Abstract

Introduction. Humanities have been recognized as an effective pedagogical tool for developing professional behaviors and a patient-centered approach. Physical therapy education programs may aspire to add humanities to their curricula but lack knowledge of how to do it successfully. The purpose of this study was to examine methods of humanities integration and supporting factors contributing to success in one physical therapist education program. Methods. This research used a qualitative single case study approach. Seventeen participants from one physical therapist education program were interviewed, including faculty, students, and alumni. An onsite visit to campus also included review of artifacts and observations of campus events. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed for themes. Results. Four main themes emerged: learning about the human experience through real patient encounters, including narrative writing, guest speakers, and experiential learning; pedagogical approaches can increase successful use of humanities, including repeated exposure, explicitness about the benefits, and sensitivity to time constraints; strong support systems help with success of humanities integration, including culture, leadership, mentorship, and resources; and challenges remain in humanities integration, including lack of buy-in and comfort, time constraints, difficulty with assessment, and devaluing of the humanities by the profession. Discussion. Successful humanities integration may be cultivated by informed pedagogical approaches and attention to the institutional and departmental factors which support humanities. Conclusion. This study helps to guide programs looking to increase presence of humanities by providing an example of how the humanities are integrated throughout the curriculum at one physical therapist education program and the factors that have affected the success of the integration.