Applying the Kawa Model to Program Assessment: Improving Flow for Student Quality of Life

Susan Charnley, Susan Klappa, Mary Raymond
Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to investigate professional QOL among DPT students and apply the KAWA model to student focus-group program feedback assessment to better understand DPT student educational experiences by cohort during the time of COVID-19. 

Methods:

Mixed methods included the Professional Quality of Life (PROQOL) survey and application of the Kawa Model to qualitative data gathered from program exit interviews to explore perceptions of graduating cohorts from three different years (2020, 2021, and 2022) at a DPT program in the United States. Riverbed drawings were created for each cohort. The Kawa model provided a visual of perceived experiences by cohorts during COVID-19.

Results:

All three student cohorts identified qualities of a supportive learning environment represented by riverbed walls and base of the river diagram. Rocks, representing current life difficulties, fears, and concerns, were similar for the cohorts of 2020 and 2021. The 2022 cohort drawing had more rocks in the river and perceived more difficulties in the DPT educational experience during the time of COVID-19. Driftwood represented personal assets and resources. The drawing for the cohort of 2022 presented minimal perceived assets compared to the other two cohorts. Space in the river represents overall satisfaction with life and wellbeing. The class of 2022 had minimal space in the Kawa drawing compared to the other two cohorts, indicating a lack of flow or wellbeing during the pandemic. The Class of 2022 appeared to encounter the greatest challenges and disruption with COVID. Mean scores for BO (19.6 SD 8.8) and STS (20.0 SD 9.7) were low. Mean scores for CS among all students were low (37.7 SD 15.0) meaning students lost satisfaction for their profession.

Conclusion(s):

Doctor of Physical Therapy student cohorts appeared able to adapt with resilience during the time of COVID-19. The Class of 2022 appeared to have been the most challenged by COVID disruption. Utilizing the Kawa Model provides a visual image to help programs develop appropriate interventions when students lose their CS and purpose for the profession. 

Implications:

Utilizing the Kawa Model may help visually identify opportunities to mitigate disruption and enhance student QOL and support during challenging times in the future. 


Funding acknowledgements:
The work was not funded.
Keywords:
Kawa Model
Program Assessment
Compassion Fatigue
Primary topic:
Education
Second topic:
Mental health
Did this work require ethics approval?:
Yes
Name the institution and ethics committee that approved your work:
UNG IRB exempt approval #2020-117-WEB.
Provide the ethics approval number:
UNG IRB exempt approval #2020-117-WEB.
Has any of this material been/due to be published or presented at another national or international conference prior to the World Physiotherapy Congress 2025?:
No

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