Clinical Instructors' Perceptions of Critical Knowledge, Critical Patient Care Skills, and Student Physical Therapist Preparedness in the Acute Care Setting.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the acute care clinical instructors' perceptions of knowledge areas and patient care skills expected of a student physical therapist graduating from their academic program as well as their level of preparedness as they enter their terminal intern-ship.

Methods: Participants were 62 licensed physical therapists who were clinical instructors. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study using a questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was used to identify the clinical instructors' perceptions.

Results: Clinical instructors perceived that it is important for the student physical therapists to be competent in knowledge and patient care skills in areas relating to patient safety, precautions and contraindications, physiologic responses to activity, the cardiovascular and pulmonary system, and intensive care unit conditions. Clinical instructors perceived that students needed to be more prepared to respond to adverse events, manage lines/devices, develop appropriate discharge plans, and communicate with family and other health care providers.

Conclusions: The results of this study reveal gaps in preparedness that are important areas for academic and clinical emphasis to support student success in the acute care setting.