| In the field of physical therapy, competence has been assessed in a variety of ways; however, explicit educational methods that promote continuing competence are not well understood and have not been well researched. The primary purpose of this ex post facto study was to develop four case studies in an attempt to provide continuing education for physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs), develop and administer tests to measure their knowledge of specific areas of clinical practices, followed by examining the relationship between test scores and (1) number of continuing education hours, (2) years of experience, and (3) attainment of clinical expertise. The four areas of clinical practice were (1) neuromuscular, (2) musculoskeletal, (3) integumentary, and (4) cardiopulmonary. The study's outcome may assist not only the physical therapy profession but also PT and PTA educators, PT and PTA clinicians, employers, and state licensing agencies in their efforts to determine improvements in measuring continued competence in the field of physical therapy. |
