Clinical educators' experiences with older adults and the perceived influence on physiotherapy practice and clinical education

Watkins, Carole Anne

Abstract

Background
Managing older adults within acute care is challenging due to their complex presentation. Experiential learning, via clinical placements and the input of clinical educators, is central to enabling physiotherapy students to manage this population effectively.

Purpose
To explore physiotherapists’ experiences with older adults, how these experiences may have informed their clinical practice, and how these experiences may in turn influence how they educate physiotherapy students.

Methods
Purposive sampling was used to recruit physiotherapists working in clinical areas that included interactions with older adults. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews using a phenomenological approach. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis undertaken.

Results
Fifteen physiotherapists were recruited from a secondary care hospital in the UK. Six themes were identified. The Participant Journey; Approach to Practice; The Older Patient and Family; Challenges of and Changes in Practice; Communication; The Educational Experience.

Discussion
Participants articulated largely positive perceptions of older adults, based on past and current experiences. However, there was some evidence of unconscious ageism, and some explicitly articulated perceptions of othering and ageism within the organisation. Participants described a complex older patient population, the effective management of whom required significant physiotherapeutic knowledge and skills. Participants recognised the importance of experiential learning and their approach to student education reflected personal approaches to practice and previous experiences with older adults. However, there was a mismatch between participants’ understanding of challenges faced by students, and their requirements of students while on placement.

Conclusion
There was evidence that previous experiences with older adults influenced participants’ current practice and their education of physiotherapy students. The findings indicate that a range of educational strategies are required to enhance student learning and to avoid a mismatch between educator expectations and student performance, which may negatively impact on both the student and educator experience.

Citation

Watkins, C. A. Clinical educators' experiences with older adults and the perceived influence on physiotherapy practice and clinical education. (Thesis). Keele University. Retrieved from https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/1018614

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Dec 16, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 19, 2024
• Public URL: https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/1018614
• Award Date: 2024-12