Identifying Perspectives on Physical Therapist Residency Program Goals: Hallmarks of Success and Excellence

Area of Science:

• Physical Therapy Education
• Residency Programs
• Educational Excellence

Background:

• Physical therapist residency programs are crucial for advanced clinical training.
• Defining excellence and success in these programs requires understanding key perspectives.
• Previous research has not comprehensively identified these perspectives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and describe common perspectives on goals for physical therapist residency education.
• To inform the development of more effective and successful residency programs.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods study using Q-methodology was conducted.
• 73 individuals involved in residency program goal development participated.
• Participants ranked 31 goal topics to identify dominant perspectives.

Main Results:

• Three primary perspectives emerged: resident behaviors, resident achievements, and program attributes.
• A shared perspective focused on preparing residents as self-regulated, lifelong learners.
• Perspectives varied based on program mission, leadership beliefs, and resources.

Conclusions:

• Physical therapist residency programs should integrate goals across resident behaviors, achievements, and program attributes.
• Incorporating a focus on lifelong learning is essential for program success.
• Standardized goal perspectives may facilitate future research on program outcomes and value.