OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the validity of a script concordance test to
assess guideline-consistent clinical reasoning by physical therapists in
stroke rehabilitation, and to identify critical features of physical
therapists specializing in stroke rehabilitation.
METHODS:A script
concordance test was developed according to current standards. Four
subgroups of physical therapists (those specializing in neurology, those
focusing on neurology or geriatrics, other, and non-specialized
undergraduate students) were asked to complete the test. The construct
validity of the script concordance test was evaluated with 1-way
analysis of variance (ANOVA) to estimate differences between subgroups.
Associations between physical therapist characteristics, and script
concordance test scores were analysed with bivariate regression analysis
followed by multivariate analyses.
RESULTS:The script concordance test,
with 59 items, was completed by 211 physical therapists. ANOVA analysis
showed statistically significant differences between the script
concordance test scores of the 4 groups (p < 0.001), with higher
scores by the physical therapists specializing in neurology compared
with the other, non-specialized, subgroups. The multivariate analysis
showed that better guideline knowledge (B = 1.07; CI = 0.48-1.65; p = <0.001),
successful completion of the Dutch Neurorehabilitation course (B = 4.1;
CI = 1.37-6.87; p = 0.003), and participation in professional
development activities (B = 2.4; CI = 0.05-4.68; p = 0.046) were
associated with higher script concordance test scores.
CONCLUSION:The
script concordance test has good construct validity. Greater
self-reported guideline knowledge, successful completion of the
post-bachelor Dutch Neurorehabilitation course, as well as systematic
participation in professional development activities facilitate
important factors that enhance specialization. The script concordance
test is a valid feedback tool for physical therapists to support
professional development in the domain of stroke rehabilitation.
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