Clinical Performance Instruments

APTA's Clinical Performance Instruments (CPI), voluntary standardized valid instruments that assess student performance during clinical education experiences, were initially developed and field tested during a three-year period and published for use with physical therapist students in 1997 and for physical therapist assistant students in 1998. With ongoing use during a 10-year period, changes in physical therapy practice and entry-level education, it was necessary to undergo revision of both instruments to more accurately reflect expectations of graduates from physical therapist and physical therapist programs. The Physical Therapist CPI (PT CPI) was revised, field tested, and approved by APTA's Board of Directors in November 1996. The Physical Therapist Assistant CPI (PTA CPI) has been revised and is involved in field testing (2008-2009) using a similar process as the PT CPI.

In response to available technology, the need for greater efficiency, and outcomes data in clinical education, the PT CPI: Version 2006 transitioned from a paper-based instrument to a Web-based system that allows for easy access by all users, ability to view and compare completed midterm and final reports online by users, access to a pdf version of the PT CPI, easy data retrieval, and with enhanced features that permit information communication through smart e-mail and the design of the system. A similar transition is planned for the PTA CPI to a Web-based system once the revision process is completed. In addition, to ensure greater consistency in the use of these instruments, online training and assessment programs are being used to teach all individuals involved in student performance assessment how to correctly use these instruments.