Digital recordings of a clinical encounter facilitate reflection in physical therapy students and clinicians

Medical and health professions students use digital media in their educational pursuits. No studies have examined the process or utility of reviewing digital recordings of a clinical encounter. This pilot study examined how physical therapy students varied in their approach when compared to practicing physical therapists, in their self-reflection and assessment of a recorded physical therapist (PT) encounter with a standardized patient (SP).

A single site, cross-sectional, mixed-methods design was used. Participants reviewed an 11-minute digital recording of a patient encounter and completed survey questions. Post-survey interview sessions were used to gain additional perspective from participants.

Ninety-two physical therapy students across three levels of training and twenty-seven physical therapists participated in the study. Self-ratings of perceived clinical ability increased with each year of training. First-year students (PY1) gave higher performance ratings to the PT than other groups. Seventy-five percent of respondents found the review of the digital recording to be a useful tool for reflection. A variety of approaches in the review process were found across groups, especially between clinicians and students.

Review of a recording of a physical therapist's encounter with an SP can be a useful educational tool for reflection across training levels of students and clinicians.