Recent Graduates' Perceptions of the Impact of a 1‐Month International Service Learning Experience in Kenya During Their Physical Therapist Assistant Education. Issue 1 (2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Haines, Jamie; Stiller, Christine H.; Thompson, Kristine A.; Doherty, Deb
• Is Part Of: Journal of physical therapy education. Volume 31:Issue 1(2018)
• Publication Date: 2017
• Subjects: Cultural competence -- International service learning -- Long‐term impact -- Physical therapist assistant; Physical therapy -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Physical therapy -- Study and teaching; Physical Therapy (Specialty) -- education -- Periodicals; Periodicals; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 615.82071
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0899-1855

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction. : International service learning (ISL) is being used in physical therapist education to help faculty prepare physical therapists who are globally minded. The purposes of this study were to explore the perceptions of recent graduates of a physical therapist assistant (PTA) education program about participating in an ISL experience while they were students and to develop a conceptual framework that illustrates the impact of ISL experiences on PTA students. Review of Literature. : Studies have demonstrated immediate benefits of 1‐ to 2‐week ISL experiences in physical therapist students. The immediate benefits of ISL included an improvement in the participants' abilities to apply and modify professional knowledge, problem solve, and think critically; the development of cultural awareness; and an increased appreciation and formation of their professional role. To our knowledge, there is no literature on PTA students' perceptions of an ISL experience. Subjects. : The study subjects were 3 PTA graduates who participated as students in a month‐long ISL experience in Kenya. Methods. : In this longitudinal, phenomenological qualitative study, course written assignments, a newspaper article, and data from interviews conducted 2 years after the ISL experience were used. The data were reviewed with the constant comparative method for concept and theme generation. Results. : Overall growth in personal maturity, professional development, and cultural competence was found. Changes experienced by participants were first centered on themselves, expanded to their practice of physical therapy after graduation, and ultimately extended into their life philosophy and perspectives 2 years later. Engagement, courage, and reflection were 3 factors thought to promote longterm growth. Discussion and Conclusion. : The shortterm benefits of ISL for PTA students were similar to those found in other studies conducted with physical therapist students. In addition, the present study provided a deeper understanding of the long‐term benefits of ISL, such as growth over time. A conceptual framework describing how ISL can facilitate both shortterm growth and long‐term growth in multiple areas and how to structure ISL experiences to facilitate the greatest development possible in students who participate in these types of experiences was developed.