Enhancing positive attitudes towards disability: evaluation of an integrated physiotherapy program.
OBJECTIVE
This study explored whether attitudes towards disability in second year undergraduate physiotherapy students could be enhanced by an on-campus integrated curriculum program.


METHODS
A pre-post design was used. Year 2 (pre-clinical) students participated in a 12-week program focused on optimising attitudes towards people with acquired or developmental neurological disability. The Discomfort subscale of the Interaction with Disabled Persons scale, rated on a six-point Likert scale, was applied prior to and at completion of the 12-week program, and compared to year 4 students, just prior to graduation. Qualitative data from year 2 reflective narratives was also gathered.


RESULTS
Forty-seven second year and 45 fourth year physiotherapy students participated. The difference in Discomfort subscale scores between weeks 1 and 12 of year 2 was statistically significant (p = 0.0016). The difference in Discomfort subscale scores between year 2 week 1 and year 4 students was also statistically significant (p = 0.040). There was no significant difference in attitudes between students at the end of year 2 and the end of year 4 (p = 0.703). Qualitative data supported the development of more positive attitudes towards neurological disability across the 12 week year 2 pre-clinical program.


CONCLUSIONS
Student attitudes towards people with acquired and/or developmental neurological disabilities can be enhanced through an on campus integrated curriculum program.
Monash University, Physiotherapy, School of Primary Health Care, Frankston, Australia. Prue.morgan@monash.edu
Prue Elizabeth
PE
Morgan
Kristin
K
Lo
D000488:Allied Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003479:Curriculum; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000193:education; D026761:Physical Therapy Specialty / Q000193:education*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D036301:Qualitative Research; D057566:Self Report; D013336:Students, Health Occupations / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires