Using the diagnostic thinking inventory in musculoskeletal physiotherapy: a validity and reliability study

Area of Science:

• Physiotherapy
• Medical Education
• Clinical Reasoning Assessment

Background:

• Clinical reasoning is crucial for effective musculoskeletal physiotherapy.
• Diagnostic reasoning, a key component, is often assessed via examinations.
• The Diagnostic Thinking Inventory (DTI) measures flexibility in thinking (FT) and structure in memory (SM).

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish the validity and reliability of the DTI within musculoskeletal physiotherapy.
• To confirm DTI's utility for assessing diagnostic reasoning in this specific field.

Main Methods:

• Two groups of musculoskeletal physiotherapists completed the DTI.
• Face and content validity were assessed by expert physiotherapists.
• Test-retest reliability, internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), and construct validity were evaluated.

Main Results:

• Experts confirmed DTI measures diagnostic reasoning.
• High test-retest reliability (ICC > 0.90) and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha > 0.89) were found for DTI, FT, and SM.
• Expert physiotherapists scored significantly higher on the DTI.

Conclusions:

• The DTI is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing diagnostic reasoning in musculoskeletal physiotherapy.
• The DTI can be utilized to evaluate the effectiveness of continuing education programs on physiotherapists' diagnostic reasoning skills.