Scoring of the Physical Therapist Clinical Performance Instrument (PT-CPI): Analysis of 7 Years of Use

Abstract

The aims of this study were to (1) describe the completion rates of the 24 performance criteria (PCs) from the Physical Therapist Clinical Performance Instrument (PT-CPI) by clinical instructors; (2) evaluate change in PC visual analogue scores (VAS) with students' clinical experience; and (3) evaluate scoring patterns over time. Final VAS scores for 208 physiotherapy (PT) students (seven cohorts) from 1,039 clinical placements between 2001 and 2008 were analyzed. Completion rates were calculated for each PC. Kruskal-Wallis tests evaluated differences in VAS scores between cohorts. Friedman's tests were used to compare VAS scores for each PC over time. Completion rates were above 90% for 18 PCs. Data from the seven cohorts were combined. All PC scores showed significant change from 10 to 15 weeks and from 15 to 20 weeks of clinical experience (p≤0.001). Although differences in scores decreased over time, 19 PCs showed significant differences between 20 and 25 weeks, and 11 PCs showed significant differences between 25 and 31 weeks of clinical experience (p<0.01). Certain PCs had lower completion rates. The PT-CPI was used consistently by clinical instructors to evaluate student performance over time. A continual progression in acquisition of clinical competencies was illustrated by PT-CPI scoring patterns as students advanced through their PT education programme.