title: Physical therapy competencies in rheumatology.
abstract: Physical therapists and rheumatologists in the United States were surveyed to determine what they perceived as the necessary competencies in rheumatology for the entry-level physical therapist. Physical therapists in clinical education programs (n = 100), those who belonged to the Arthritis Health Professionals Association (n = 108), and rheumatologists belonging to the American Rheumatism Association (n = 80) responded to a questionnaire consisting of items related to educational variables of interest, professional experience, and 80 competencies. The respondents determined that 35 competencies were absolutely essential, 39 were frequently essential, and 6 were useful but not essential. Identification of these competencies should assist the faculty in physical therapy educational programs to prepare the entry-level physical therapist to be competent to treat arthritis patients.
mesh_terms: D001168:Arthritis / Q000534:rehabilitation; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003162:Competency-Based Education; D003479:Curriculum; D006801:Humans; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards; D011361:Professional Competence; D012219:Rheumatology; D014481:United States