Lived experiences of physical therapists who underwent online internship transitioning to clinical practice. [author]: Azcarraga, John Donver V., Bariuad, Al Vincent, Bigornia, Santino Enzo M., Buenaventura, Ivan Zepeda Guevarra, Ivan DT., Jader, Ana Sofia D., Ramos, Jerald Adrian H. [co-author]: Garrido, Marc Edward

Includes Appendix

ABSTRACT:
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a paradigm shift in medical education, including physical therapy internships, towards online platforms due to restrictions on face-to-face instructions. This transition challenged the traditional
hands-on nature of physical therapy practice, yet it also prompted innovation within the profession. But despite the problems that came along with online internships, this rather unorthodox form of internship has led to the innovation of
our practice having its own pros and cons.
Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the experiences of physical therapists (PTs) who underwent online internship programs and subsequently transitioned into clinical practice. Specifically, it aimed to: (1) determine the advantages
derived by PTs through their participation in online internships, (2) identify the problems encountered in the clinics by PTs who underwent online internships, (3) know how PTs who underwent online internship interacts with their co-workers
and with their patients, (4) identify the possible modifications to be made in the curriculum for the further improvement of the PT education.
Methods: A qualitative phenomenological-descriptive approach was employed to explore the experiences of PT graduates transitioning from online internships to clinical practice. Participants were selected through purposive sampling until data
saturation was achieved. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews focusing on attitudes and transitional experiences. Thematic analysis using the Colaizzi method ensured a rigorous examination of the collected data.
Results: Analysis revealed five major themes and subsequent subthemes derived from PT experiences transitioning from online internships to clinical practice: (1) Improved soft skills, (2) Competence in knowledge synthesis, (3) Insufficiency in practical skills, (4) Underdeveloped confidence, and (5) Roles of colleagues.
Conclusion: Online internships offer both advantages and disadvantages for PTs. While they enhance skills such as communication and theoretical understanding, they lack exposure to complex cases and opportunities for
practicing fundamental skills. The study suggests integrating online internships into the traditional PT internship to harness their benefits, such as telerehabilitation, while addressing their limitations rather than eliminating them entirely.

School of Physical Therapy Thesis - School of Physical Therapy