Impact of a short-duration experiential learning activity on DPT students’ attitudes toward patients living with a dementia

Abstract

ABSTRACT Healthcare practitioners (HCP) have expressed inadequate preparation inproviding care to patients living with a dementia. Research suggestsexperiential learning activities (ELAs) can improve HCP knowledge and comforttoward this population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a short-duration(2-hour) dementia ELA on Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students’ knowledgeand comfort toward individuals living with a dementia. Participants included a sample of first-year DPT students (n=82). In this pre-experimental, single-site,longitudinal study, students participated in an ELA at a memory care facility.They completed a dementia knowledge and comfort survey pre-(T1) andpost-ELA(T2), as well as prior to their first clinical experience (nine monthspost-ELA; T3). Pre- and post-survey analysis demonstrated significant improvements between T1to T2 and T1 to T3 with overall effect sizes ranging from very large (d=1.256)to huge (d=1.520). There were no significant differences between T2 to T3analysis. Students demonstrated positive improvements in attitudes toward individuals livingwith a dementia following this ELA. Improvements were maintained over time. AnELA as short as two hours may improve person-centered care for patients living witha dementia. These types of activities should be considered for inclusion in DPTcurricula.