Comparison of 1-Day-Per-Week, 1-Week, and 5-Week Clinical Education Experiences

Abstract

This retrospective study was conducted to compare efficiency and effectiveness of 1-day-per-week, 1-week, and 5-week clinical education experiences. Efficiency of experiences was measured by cost-effectiveness and productivity variables. Effectiveness of experiences was measured by studentperformance and perception data. All data were measured through review of existing records. Subjects were 33 entry-level, Master of Physical Therapy Degree students. Student performance and student-perception data (N=33) and cost-effectiveness and productivity data (n=8) were collected. Cost-effectiveness and productivity were highest in 5-week experiences and lowest in 1-day-per-week experiences for the combined student-clinical instructor team. Clinical instructor productivity was significantly higher without students, versus with students, in comparative 1-day and 1-week periods. However, productivity of the combined student-clinical instructor team was significantly higher than that of the clinical instructor alone in comparative 5-week periods. Departmental productivity was not significantly different with students, versus without students, in comparative 1-day and 1-week periods, but was significantly higher without students in comparative 5-week periods. Study of larger samples of students and clinical facilities is indicated.