title: Expert practice in physical therapy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify the dimensions of clinical expertise in physical therapy practice across 4 clinical specialty areas: geriatrics, neurology, orthopedics, and pediatrics.
  
  
  METHODS
  Subjects were 12 peer-designated expert physical therapists nominated by the leaders of the American Physical Therapy Association sections for geriatrics, neurology, orthopedics, and pediatrics.
  
  
  METHODS
  Guided by a grounded theory approach, a multiple case study research design was used with each of the 4 investigators studying 3 therapists working in one clinical area. Data were obtained through nonparticipant observation, interviews, review of documents, and analysis of structured tasks. Videotapes made during selected therapist-patient treatment sessions were used as a stimulus for the expert therapist interviews. Data were transcribed, coded, and analyzed through the development of 12 case reports and 4 composite case studies, one for each specialty area.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A theoretical model of expert practice in physical therapy was developed that included 4 dimensions: (1) a dynamic, multidimensional knowledge base that is patient-centered and evolves through therapist reflection, (2) a clinical reasoning process that is embedded in a collaborative, problem-solving venture with the patient, (3) a central focus on movement assessment linked to patient function, and (4) consistent virtues seen in caring and commitment to patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings build on previous research in physical therapy on expertise. The dimensions of expert practice in physical therapy have implications for physical therapy practice, education, and continued research.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, School of Pharmacy and Allied Health, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA. gjensen@creighton.edu.
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Jensen
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gwyer
authors.forename: K F
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: Shepard
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D003657:Decision Making; D004645:Empathy; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009068:Movement; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000379:methods*; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis