Building the Science of Physical Therapy: Conundrums and a Wicked Problem.

Area of Science:

• Physical Therapy
• Academic Research
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Producing scientific evidence is vital for advancing physical therapist practice and education.
• Academic institutions face numerous challenges that hinder research productivity within the physical therapy discipline.
• These challenges collectively form a 'wicked problem' in generating sufficient evidence to support physical therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and discuss the conundrums constraining research productivity in academic physical therapy settings.
• To propose actionable recommendations for improving the generation of evidence to support physical therapy practice.
• To advocate for changes in accreditation standards to prioritize and incentivize faculty research.

Main Methods:

• This is a Perspective piece, involving critical analysis and discussion of existing issues.
• It examines the 'conundrums' and conditions that impede research productivity in academic physical therapy.
• Recommendations are based on analyzing the Standards and Elements of the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.

Main Results:

• Identified significant constraints on research productivity within academic physical therapy programs.
• Highlighted the collective impact of these constraints on the ability to generate essential evidence.
• Proposed specific changes to accreditation standards as a means to address these issues.

Conclusions:

• Recommends revising the Standards and Elements of the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
• Advocates for changes in faculty composition rules and the introduction of new productivity metrics.
• Emphasizes the need for all programs to produce evidence while allowing institutional flexibility.