Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Education

Advisor

Debra Tyrrell

Abstract

Psychomotor skills are an essential aspect of physical therapy (PT) education. Recent studies supported using videoconference technology (VCT) for psychomotor instruction, but research on the use of VCT for psychomotor assessments is limited. Determining VCT’s usefulness for psychomotor exams is vital to establish best pedagogical practices. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the faculty experience using synchronous VCT to assess PT student’s psychomotor skills. The conceptual framework for this study was the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT). The research question investigated how PT educators described the psychomotor skill assessment of students using VCT, related to the four constructs of UTAUT: performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions. Purposive sampling was used to collect qualitative data via online semistructured interviews of 15 U.S. physical therapy professors. Data were analyzed using emergent coding and thematic analysis. Key findings were that faculty participants perceived the use of VCT to assess psychomotor skills as a feasible alternative modality to face-to-face practicals. The use of VCT did not sacrifice achieving good learning outcomes. Faculty identified VCT assessment benefits as convenience, adaptability, and skill acquisition and recognized the challenges of a static camera angle and connectivity and resource issues. This study may foster positive social change by informing PT educators of the value of using VCT for psychomotor assessments, which provided additional educational opportunities, exposed students to telehealth, promoted acceptance of online learning, and improved accessibility for individuals in rural locations.

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