Date of Award

2000

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Educational Leadership

First Advisor

Robert L. Kennedy, PhD

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge, skills, and behaviors of advanced physical therapy practitioners in women's health. The study also sought to identify patient populations/diagnoses served by advanced physical therapist practitioners in women's health. A three-round modified Delphi research technique was used to obtain consensus from a panel of experts. The panel was comprised of highly qualified physical therapists with extensive knowledge and experience in the practice area of women's health. A panel of academic experts was used to review the third-round results of the study. The panel of experts answered a survey which included questions on demographic and descriptive information during the first round of the study. The panel was also asked, during the first round, to identify educational outcomes within the 19 practice expectations areas from the Normative Model for Professional Physical Therapist Education that were included within advanced physical therapy practice in women's health and to add any additional educational outcomes specific to women's health not found in the normative model. The panel added additional educational outcomes specific to advanced practice in women's health during round two not provided in round one. The panel was requested to identify, during round three of the Delphi technique, which of the 622 educational outcomes identified previously in rounds one and two were part of advanced physical therapy practice in women's health. A panel of academic experts was used to review and refine those educational outcomes identified on round three as part of advanced practice in women's health physical therapy. The panel of academic experts recommended division of the educational outcomes into more appropriate categories of educational outcomes and terminal behavioral objectives. The study resulted in consensus of and subsequent identification of an extensive table of educational outcomes and terminal behavior objectives of advanced physical therapy practice knowledge, skills, and behaviors in women's health. These educational outcomes and terminal behavioral objectives were categorized under each of the 19 practice expectations. This study also identified patient populations/diagnoses which fall within the domain of advanced physical therapy practice in women's health. This research provides a foundation for curricular development in postprofessional clinical residency programs in women's health physical therapy, discusses the implications for physical therapy practice and further research.

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