Evaluating the impact of a 2-week Peer Enhanced E-Placement (PEEP) on pre-registration physiotherapy students’ attitudes, self-perceived confidence, and competence in delivering telerehabilitation.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18552/ijpblhsc.v12i1.960Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about rapid digital transformation of physiotherapy practice and education. Previous studies have suggested a lack of knowledge, beliefs, and clinical acceptance of telerehabilitation as barriers to implementation and sustainability of telerehabilitation. Providing pre-registration specific teaching and practical experience of telerehabilitation may improve physiotherapy student confidence and competence in delivering telerehabilitation and support clinical acceptance of telerehabilitation in practice.
A 2-week Peer Enhanced E-Placement (PEEP) was developed and evaluated to explore its impact on third year physiotherapy student attitudes, and perceived competence and confidence in delivering telerehabilitation. Students completed a Likert scale questionnaire, immediately pre and post the PEEP placement, rating their perceived confidence and competence in four key areas of telerehabilitation: assessment, intervention, communication, and problem solving. In addition, students participated in group discussions to explore the impact of the PEEP on their attitudes towards telerehabilitation.
59 students completed the PEEP, 49 (mean age 25±6.6 years, 41% male) completed both the pre and post placement questionnaire. 55 students participated in group discussions (n=8). Following the PEEP, self-perceived confidence and competence increased in all four key areas assessed. Analysis of the group discussions identified three core themes: Prior experience and assumptions of telerehabilitation, Opportunities and barriers, and Experience of the PEEP.
Participation in a 2-week PEEP had a positive impact on physiotherapy student confidence and perceived competence in delivering telerehabilitation. Student attitudes towards telerehabilitation generally improved, with increased acceptance and recognition of its clinical value for physiotherapy practice. Students’ concerns echoed those of clinicians identified in prior research related to the opportunities and barriers facing telerehabilitation. The intensive structure of the PEEP, peer interaction and simulation appeared to positively impact on outcomes related to confidence and acceptance of telerehabilitation.
Further research is required to understand and evaluate the effectiveness of pre-registration telerehabilitation training as a means of preparing students for practice and supporting sustainability of telerehabilitation in the post-COVID era.
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