The purpose of our study, which was part of a larger study, was to identify items that could be included in a tool to evaluate a physiotherapy clinical education programme.
A qualitative study utilising focused group discussions including academics, clinical educators and clinicians was undertaken. A broad script that delved into clinical education experience was used. An inductive thematic content analysis using MaxQda version 2018.2 was undertaken; the data were coded, and similar foci were categorised and subcategorised. This process led to the identification of themes. Both triangulation of the data (member checks, field note comparison, observer reflection and verification of the data) and assuring the data’s trustworthiness (credibility, dependability and confirmability) were undertaken
Fourteen focus group discussions were held countrywide in South Africa. Three themes emerged from the data. A macro theme included all governance issues, a meso theme included all structural issues and a micro theme included all aspects related to clinical experience.
The complex nature of clinical physiotherapy education and its diversity can be seen in these emerging themes. The intricate and extensive categories and subcategories making up these themes were considered in the subsequent steps of developing this tool.
Monitoring and Evaluation, and Quality Assurance in Physiotherapy Clinical Education can be established.
Quality Assurance
Clinical Education
