Standards for Basic Education in Physical Therapy: a tool for planning clinical education

Use of the Standards for Basic Education in Physical Therapy as the basis for organizing and implementing a program of clinical education is described. The article addresses the subject most specifically as it relates to the setting of an acute care general hospital; however, the program is described in sufficient detail to permit adaptation for other settings where personnel are participating in clinical teaching. Reasons for considering and developing this approach to clinical instruction are included, as well as preliminary subjective evaluation of the outcomes. The article is presented as a mechanism for exchange of ideas among persons engaged in clinical teaching.