BUILDING CONFIDENCE: MODIFIED RIDE-ON CARS AS AN INSTRUCTIONAL METHOD IN PHYSICAL THERAPY EDUCATION

Purpose/Hypothesis: Modified ride-on car (MROC) builds are often operated through Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Programs as community service outreach initiatives. While research about the use of ride-on cars for children with motor/physical disabilities is an ongoing process, little is known about the efficacy of using a MROC build as an instructional strategy for entry-level DPT students The purpose of this study was to determine if using a MROC build as an instructional strategy in a pediatric physical therapy course improves DPT students’ confidence in treating and communicating with pediatric patients.

Number of Subjects: A total of 19 second-year DPT students completed both the pre- and post-test.

Materials/Methods: Following IRB approval, researchers administered the Pediatric Communication Handling and Self Efficacy Scale (PCHSES) to 2nd year DPT students participating in a MROC build during a Pediatric Physical Therapy course. The PCHSES examines changes in confidence related to communicating with and handling children with physical disabilities. Researchers used a pre-test and post-test comparison group design. Subjects completed the PCHSES prior to and following the MROC build. As part of the MROC build, DPT students worked in small groups to perform an evaluation in collaboration with a community-based pediatric physical therapist, determine necessary and individualized modifications, complete the build, and deliver the MROC to a child. Study data was collected anonymously using REDCap electronic data capture tools. Researchers analyzed the data via Excel.

Results: A paired t-test was conducted to compare confidence in communication and handling prior to and following the MROC build. There was a significant difference in the pre-test scores (M=138.68, SD=32.06) and post-test scores (M= 151.74, SD=27.74), p< 0.006.

Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that students within a DPT Pediatric Course become more competent around the pediatric population through exposure, critical thinking, and building rapport with the children and families thus providing support for the use of MROC builds an instructional strategy within DPT Programs.

Clinical Relevance: This study revealed a significant difference in student confidence related to communication and handling before and after modifying ride-on cars for children with physical disabilities.