Development and Validity of the Student-Run Outpatient Physical Therapy Experience Survey: A Pilot Study

Purpose: The preparation of professionals who are culturally sensitive and provide patient centered care is an expected outcome of physical therapist education. A review of the literature revealed that patient experience and outcome data regarding physical therapy student-led clinics are lacking. The purpose of this pilot study was to develop a valid patient experience survey that assessed patient centeredness and cultural competence in a gender-neutral manner. Methods: Questions for a new survey, Student-run Outpatient Physical Therapy Experience Survey (SOPTES) were generated using two validated surveys, the Questionnaire of Patient’s Experiences in Post-Acute Outpatient Physical Therapy Settings (PEPAP-Q) and the Tucker-Culturally Sensitive Health Care Provider Inventory Patient Form. The SOPTES was implemented with the validated PEPAP-Q in a student-led clinic and given to 88 patients at discharge. Correlation and exploratory factor analysis were performed. Results: The correlations of patient scores between the two surveys, revealed a significant moderate correlation based on 2-tail analysis (ρ =.396, p < 0.001). Exploratory factor analysis revealed five themes for the PEPAP-Q (patient centered care, supportive environment, availability, invested interest, and adaptability) and three themes in the SOPTES (patient centered care, availability, cultural competence). Conclusion: These findings support the development and use of the SOPTES in a student-led physical therapy clinic to assess student cultural sensitivity and provision of patient centered care.