Outcomes of Residency Education: Insights Into the Professional Formation of the Physical Therapist Resident

Introduction: The definition of excellence in physical therapy (PT) education is evolving, yet the role of postprofessional residency education remains uncertain. Arguments in favor of required residency have emerged through the re-visioning of PT education across the continuum. Yet, little evidence exists whether residency education further develops clinical skills, clinical knowledge, and clinical reasoning abilities.

Review of literature: Previous studies have explored the development of the novice physical therapist in the first 2 years of practice; however, there is little evidence about the outcomes of PT residency education. Thus, this study looked to explore the development of learners through their residency education and to identify the critical elements of the teaching and learning environment in residency education.

Subjects: Eleven PT residency programs and 13 residents participated in a qualitative study to explore the learner development through residency. Each residency program consisted of a residency program director, one or more mentors identified by the residency program director, and at least one physical therapist resident. Semistructured interviews were conducted with program participants, and journal entries were collected from residents.

Methods: Using a purposeful sample of convenience, an exploratory, multiple-site/specialty area qualitative case study design was conducted.

Results: Three emerging themes were identified including growth of self, becoming a member of the community of practice, and facilitation of learning through mentoring. Through the transformative journey of residency education, there are critical elements of the learning environment supporting deep learning within the community of practice. These elements include the provision of opportunities and adequate time and space for learning to occur.

Discussion and conclusion: The intentional design of the community of practice through residency education facilitates the development of the novice clinician to experienced clinician in an accelerated period of time. In addition, residency graduates develop characteristics similar to adaptive learners through planned teaching and learning opportunities. Finally, the structure of residency education mattered to the resident participants such that the learning environment enhanced peer learning and the development of professional relationships.