Hypertext Computer-Assisted Instruction for Geriatric Physical Therapists

Abstract

The American long-term care industry is being challenged to care for increasing numbers of more acutely ill patients. To meet that challenge, health care providers must possess adequate skills and knowledge related to geriatric patients. Physical therapists provide care to geriatric patients, but professional training programs may lack adequate course work in geriatric evaluation and treatment procedures. This study investigated the use of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) for physical therapists working in geriatric treatment facilities owned by a long-term care company. A hypertext CAI program on wound physiology/care was developed. Using an equivalent- group, posttest only study design, fourteen randomly assigned physical therapists received experimental treatment (CAI), while 19 other therapists served as controls. Both groups were administered a posttest instrument; the experimental group also completed an opinionnaire. The experimental group mean score was significantly higher (p < .004) than the control group on the posttest. In addition, experimental group subjects reported strong agreement to statements regarding continued CAI development. The researcher concluded that hypertext CAI was a viable and acceptable method of disseminating geriatric physical therapy knowledge to long-term care physical therapists.