Novice and experienced physical therapist clinicians: a comparison of how reflection is used to inform the clinical decision-making process.
Publication/Presentation Date
1-1-2010
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Prior experience informs clinical decision making and shapes how reflection is used by novice and experienced physical therapist clinicians.
OBJECTIVES: The aims of this research were: (1) to determine the types and extent of reflection that informs the clinical decision-making process and (2) to compare the use of reflection to direct and assess clinical decisions made by novice and experienced physical therapists.
DESIGN: Qualitative research methods using grounded theory were used to gain insight into how physical therapists use reflection to inform clinical decision making.
METHODS: Three participant pairs (each pair consisting of one novice and one experienced physical therapist) were purposively selected from 3 inpatient rehabilitation settings. Case summaries of each participant provided the basis for within- and across-case analysis. Credibility of these results was established through member check of the case summaries, presentation of low-inference data, and triangulation across multiple data sources and within and across the participant groups.
RESULTS: Although all participants engaged in reflection-on-action, the experienced participants did so with greater frequency. The experienced participants were distinguished by their use of reflection-in-action and self-assessment during therapist-patient interactions. An intermediate effect beyond novice practice was observed.
CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study may be used by educators and employers to develop and structure learning experiences and mentoring opportunities to facilitate clinical decision-making abilities and the development of the skills necessary for reflection in students and novice practitioners.
Volume
90
Issue
1
First Page
75
Last Page
88
ISSN
1538-6724
Published In/Presented At
Wainwright, S. F., Shepard, K. F., Harman, L. B., & Stephens, J. (2010). Novice and experienced physical therapist clinicians: a comparison of how reflection is used to inform the clinical decision-making process. Physical therapy, 90(1), 75–88. https://doi.org/10.2522/ptj.20090077
Disciplines
Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
PubMedID
19926680
Department(s)
Administration and Leadership
Document Type
Article