Pinto Zipp, G. Olson, V. Hyland, M., Karman, N. Oakley, D. and Remshifski, P.; Seton Hall University, South Orange Avenue, South Orange, NJ.

INTRODUCTION: The Hypothesis-Oriented Algorithm for Clinicians (HOAC) is a conceptual scheme providing a logical sequence for making clinical decisions related to patient examination and treatment planning. The integration of this decision-making algorithm with a multimedia case study is unique and timely. Its technological approach to case studies , termed ‘Process Oriented Blackboard Model’, (POBM) enables students to access master clinician’s strategies as a form of feedback, additionally allowing them links to professional organizations, medical dictionaries, related literature, related web sites, chat rooms, directed readings, and video clips to enhance their learning experience and ability to critically think. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is two-fold: to assess student "comfort" levels in using the POBM and MOBM (Method oriented blackboard model, traditional case study presentation not supplemented by technology) for clinical decision-making and secondly to assess if either model alters student’s scores on the California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST) which is a standardized tool for assessing critical thinking. SUBJECTS: Second year physical therapy students were recruited from Mercy College. METHODS: subjects completed a pre-test to assess their competence utilizing the HOAC model. Then they were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group and completed the CCTST for the first time. Students then solved a computerized case study, with the experimental group having the POBM technology available, and the control group MOBM. Upon completion they took they CCTST for a second tome and filled out a self rated comfort questionnaire. Two weeks later the students then solved a second computerized case with the experimental group utilizing the POBM and the control group the MOBM. Upon completion the subjects again filled out the self rated comfort questionnaire. RESULTS: A T-test was used to assess for group homogeneity, with equal distribution being found in pre-test scores and the initial CCTST for both groups. T-tests were also utilized to assess the outcomes of the CCTST comparing test one to test two. No significance was found at the p=.05 level on overall scores (p=.119). However, significance was found within the test categories of Inference p=.046 and Deduction p=.045 while no significance was found with Analysis p=.238, Evaluation .238, and Induction .264. With regards to comfort level in solving the case studies, the experimental group identified a much higher level of comfort after case one in which they utilized the POBM as compared to the control group who utilized the MOBM. Upon Completion of the second case, when the control group had the opportunity to utilize the POBM, self assessed comfort levels were similar. Discussion: These findings suggest that the POBM is a medium that may potentially improve a student’s inference and deduction as identified on the CCTST. Additionally, they suggest that student’s are more comfortable utilizing the POBM versus the MOBM. RELEVANCE: Further research is needed to assess a larger group of subjects, and differing case topics. Secondly, critical thinking needs to be more clearly defined so that an alternative tool may be utilized that is more specific to physical therapy then the CCTST. FUNDING SOURCE: For this study there was no funding source. The researchers intend on filing for a grant through the University to begin this project on a larger group of subjects.

Reprint Information
Requests for reprints should be directed to the corresponding author of the article. Students and other academic customers may receive permission to reprint copyrighted material from Physical Therapy by contacting the Copyright Clearance Center Inc, 222 Rosewood Dr, Danvers, MA 01923. Similar inquiries by all others should be made to the APTA Editorial Office, Attn: Physical Therapy.