Abstract
BackgroundCerebral palsy (CP) is the most common and most complex disabling disorder in children. Newly qualified therapists are expected to manage CP despite feeling inexperienced and inadequately prepared. Short postgraduate practical training courses could potentially help bridge this readiness gap. However, the value of these short courses in addressing the knowledge and experience gap is unknown.ObjectivesTo establish the value of a short practical training course on the self-perceived readiness of newly qualified South African trained therapists to work with children with CP.MethodSecondary analysis of records on therapists’ immediate evaluation of a short practical training course on CP management was completed. The analysis included records from 11 courses collected over a 2-years period (2015–2017). Paired t-tests were used to determine the change in knowledge in the quantitative questionnaire. Qualitative data were analysed inductively to determine themes.ResultsThe majority of therapists had their expectations met by the course. Therapists’ self-perceived level of knowledge about various aspects of CP after the course changed significantly. Therapists appreciated the adult teaching and learning methods, conducive learning environment, the relevant and organised content and holistic approach of the course. They demonstrated readiness to adopt positive attitudes, perceptions and practice following the course.ConclusionA short practical postgraduate training course in CP is valuable in addressing the self-perceived lack of readiness amongst therapists with little experience in this area. It is capable of improving the knowledge and changing attitudes, perceptions and practice intentions positively, and thereby potentially improving the quality of service offered to children with CP.
Highlights
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common and most complex disabling disorder in children
Newly qualified therapists will be more attracted to continuing professional development (CPD) activities that offer them opportunities to learn through practical and interprofessional approaches (Naidoo et al 2017), and this was confirmed in this study
Qualified therapists in this study perceived that a 6-day practical training course increased their level of knowledge, awareness of basic skills and confidence with CP management
Summary
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common and most complex disabling disorder in children. Objectives: To establish the value of a short practical training course on the self-perceived readiness of newly qualified South African trained therapists to work with children with CP. Qualified therapists in South Africa are required to complete 1 year of mandatory community service after their 4-year undergraduate training as a means of increasing human resource in underserved areas (Naidoo, Van Wyk & Waggie 2017; Singh, Booth & Cholo 2015). There is evidence that newly qualified rehabilitation therapists in South Africa, including speech therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists, do not feel ready to work in primary healthcare settings. Suggestions include the formation of virtual communities of practice, mentorship programmes and postgraduate focused short training courses (Mostert-Wentzel, Frantz & Van Rooijen 2013b; Naidoo et al 2017; Van Stormbroek & Buchanan 2016). Focused training courses in the form of CPD short courses can equip rehabilitation therapists with practical evidence-based techniques and communication skills to foster therapeutic relationships and experiences of http://www.ajod.org
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