| During a reaccreditation visit at a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, deficiencies were discovered in the didactic and clinical education curriculum regarding patient-centered care. To understand the nature of the problem and address those deficiencies, the clinical internship experience was examined to develop a project plan. The conceptual framework for this qualitative case study was the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) model. Research questions focused on the perceptions of the physical therapy students and clinical instructors (CIs) to explore their knowledge, learning experiences, and barriers to using the ICF model for patient-centered care. Data were collected using questionnaires sent to 42 CIs, focus groups of 22 physical therapy students, and data analysis from student Clinical Performance Instruments. Data were analyzed using coding techniques and themes based on the use of the ICF model in the clinical setting by the students and their CIs. Major findings indicated the CIs perceived having a poor understanding of the ICF model and how it relates to patient-centered care. CI and student participants reported none to minimal use of the ICF model in the clinical settings. To address these findings, the development of a hybrid, 9-week, online continuing education course is recommended for educating the CIs regarding the ICF model. To contribute to social change at the local level, a more patient-centered care plan could be integrated with improved patient outcomes; at the regional and national levels, the ICF model could potentially decrease health care costs. |
