A Unique Preclinical Experience: Concur rent Mock and Pro Bono Clinics to Enhance Student Readiness

Abstract

Background and Purpose. Pro bono physical therapy services have become an integral aspect of community service due to recent changes in health care reimbursement limitations. Physical therapist educators are expected to introduce their students to the concept of social responsibility and human service activities. Model Description and Evaluation. A pro bono clinic was designed to meet critical needs of the physical therapist students at our academic institution, as well as patients within the community. This clinic introduced the students to patients and the roles and responsibilities of patient care prior to their first clinical educational experience, which helped to relieve anxiety, promote professional socialization, and enhance retention of learned materials. Students participated in a mock clinic within the pro bono setting where they assumed the roles of patient, physical therapist, and peer evaluator. Within this mock clinic, students were required to present assigned patient diagnoses in a “grand rounds” format, which helped to reinforce didactic knowledge and enhance verbal and written communication. Outcomes and Discussion. Students gained exposure to the clinical setting itself, experienced the patient-physical therapist relationship, and interacted with their peers and faculty members. The patients not only received treatment without cost, but they benefited from the time with the students as they educated them on their pathologies and functional limitations. Faculty benefited from becoming role models for the students, improving relations and communication with the students, and observing and mentoring the students in a small group setting. Conclusion. Limitations for implementation of this clinic were minimal. It is anticipated that this unique model will enhance students' clinical performance, provide faculty with clinical practice opportunities, and fulfill the health care needs of the community.