Physical therapist student and clinical instructor perceptions of the Clinical Performance Instrument 3.0 (CPI 3.0):...

Area of Science:

• Physical Therapy Education
• Clinical Assessment Tools
• Health Professions Education

Background:

• The Clinical Performance Instrument (CPI) is integral to physical therapist (PT) education in the US.
• The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) released an updated version, CPI 3.0, in May 2023.
• This study evaluates initial user perceptions of the revised CPI 3.0.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the perceptions of physical therapist students (SPTs) and clinical instructors (CIs) regarding the newly implemented CPI 3.0.
• To assess user feedback on the technology, scoring, and stakeholder burden of CPI 3.0 compared to its predecessor.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study design was employed.
• An investigator-created electronic survey was distributed to assess user experience.
• The survey targeted five cohorts of SPTs and CIs who utilized CPI 3.0 during their initial release period.

Main Results:

• Most users found the CPI 3.0 platform easy to access and navigate.
• Over 90% of SPTs and CIs agreed CPI 3.0 accurately reflects student performance and identifies at-risk students.
• Compared to the previous version, users reported CPI 3.0 as less time-consuming and burdensome.

Conclusions:

• SPTs and CIs hold favorable perceptions of CPI 3.0.
• The updated instrument is viewed positively for its performance assessment capabilities, efficiency, and reduced user burden.