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Physical therapy education in family practice residency programs
M L Maira1, D D Patton, J R Purvis
1Department of Family Medicine, East Carolina University School of Medicine, Greenville, NC.
Family Medicine
|October 1, 1994
Summary
Physical therapy education is needed in family practice residencies, but it is currently underemphasized. While most program directors see its value, fewer than half integrate it into their curricula.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Family Medicine
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Physical therapy's role in family practice residency is not well-defined.
- Graduate curriculum guidelines lack specific inclusion of physical therapy.
- Limited existing literature addresses physical therapy's integration into these programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the extent and nature of physical therapy education within family practice residency programs.
- To assess the perceived need and current implementation of physical therapy training.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was developed and distributed to directors of US-accredited family practice residency programs.
- Data collection involved surveying 391 program directors regarding physical therapy education.
Main Results:
- A 65.5% response rate (256 directors) was achieved.
- 67% of respondents indicated a significant need for physical therapy components.
- Only 52% of programs currently include physical therapy education, often within required rotations and taught by physical therapists.
Conclusions:
- Physical therapy education is a valuable, yet underemphasized, component of family practice residency training.
- There is a clear need to increase the integration of physical therapy into residency curricula.