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School-Based Physical Therapists' Experiences and Perceptions of How Student Goals Influence Services and Outcomes
Journal article   Peer reviewed

School-Based Physical Therapists' Experiences and Perceptions of How Student Goals Influence Services and Outcomes

Kimberly D. Wynarczuk, Lisa A. Chiarello, Kathleen Fisher, Susan K. Effgen, Robert J. Palisano and Ed J. Gracely
Physical & occupational therapy in pediatrics, v 39(5), pp 480-501
03 Sep 2019
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01942638.2018.1546254
PMID: 30644799
Featured in Collection :   UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel

Abstract

Focus groups physical therapy services qualitative research school-based physical therapy student goals student outcomes
Aims: Individualized goals are the foundation for physical therapy services and outcomes. This research describes school-based physical therapists' (PTs) experiences and perceptions of how student goals impact services and outcomes. Methods: Twenty school-based PTs participated in one of five semi-structured focus groups on goal development and use. Therapists were recruited from 113 therapists who participated in a study of school-based physical therapy outcomes. Two researchers conducted thematic analysis of written transcriptions of audio recordings to identify qualitative themes; a third researcher reviewed the analysis. Results: Four themes emerged related to how goals impact services: (1) the nature of services, (2) intervention strategies, (3) teaming, and (4) flexibility of services. Three themes emerged related to how goals impact outcomes: (1) natural linkages among goals, services, and outcomes; (2) goals impact teaming to achieve outcomes; and (3) specifics of the goal matter. Therapists also reported a range of student and environmental factors that impact services and outcomes. Conclusions: Therapists perceive that goals influence services and outcomes in complex ways, especially due to the flexibility and individualization needed in school-based practice. This study helps school-based PTs understand and reflect on how individualized goals influence services and optimize student outcomes.

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12 Record Views
4 citations in Web of Science
4 citations in Scopus

Details

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#3 Good Health and Well-Being

InCites Highlights

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Pediatrics
Rehabilitation
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