Collins, J, Bullard, B, Coe, D, Gilliard, B; University of Findlay, Findlay, OH. jcollin9@naz.edu.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to ascertain the perceptions of physical therapists practicing in the home health care setting toward patient/client education. BACKGROUND: In 1993, Chase, et al studied the perceptions of physical therapists toward patient education. This study did not report any information about physical therapists practicing in home health. In 1998, Collins, et al found that home care physical therapists provided patient/family education during 54% of their visits, with nearly 14 minutes spent per instance. Specific information regarding the content of this patient education and the therapists’ preparation to provide it would be useful. SUBJECTS: Surveys were mailed to all physical therapist members of the Home Health Section of the A.P.T.A. Of the 1374 distributed, 498 were returned, for a return rate of 27.6%. There were 494 usable surveys. METHODS: The survey consisted of six demographic questions; ninety questions requiring answers on a Likert-like scale related to the following: patient education methods, frequency of use of educational methods, physical therapist education behaviors, and barriers to patient education; and one open-ended question. ANALYSIS: Analysis of the closed-ended questions was performed with SPSS. Analysis of the open-ended question was performed using Ethnograph 5.0. RESULTS: The respondents were predominantly women (71.3%), most with a baccalaureate degree as the entry-level physical therapy degree (74.5%). Fifty-six per cent had more than 20 years of P.T. experience, with 54.2% having ten years or less in home care. Respondents indicated that the aspects of care most frequently taught in home care are: safety, functional mobility, home programs, exercise, equipment needs, and prevention. More than 95 % of physical therapists reported that interactions with patients and patients’ families (more than 91%) were very important factors contributing to the development of their teaching skills. Academic preparation relating to teaching was reported by 64.5% as being a very important factor contributing to their teaching skills. Qualitative results indicate that physical therapists regard patient teaching as essential in home care. CONCLUSIONS: Physical therapists practicing in home care perceive patient teaching to be an important part of physical therapy intervention. Many important skills related to teaching patients and their families are gained outside of physical therapists’ academic preparation. FUNDING SOURCE: None.

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