Abstract
Covid-19 resulted in a rapid transition to online learning (e-learning), as increased e-learning is likely to continue for physiotherapy education in the United Kingdom, an understanding of the impact of this change on students is paramount. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of physiotherapy students who underwent this transition.
A descriptive phenomenological methodology using online semi-structured focus groups was conducted. Reflexive thematic analysis produced five themes; ‘The challenges of adjusting’; ‘Flexible learning’; ‘Reduced opportunities to use preferred learning styles and strategies online’; ‘Frustrations with peers and engagement’ and ‘Confidence to apply what has been learned’.
Despite maintaining some face-to-face education throughout the national lockdowns, this study indicates a myriad of challenges concerning increased e-learning. The main issues being reduced opportunities for kinaesthetic learning and reduced confidence to apply practical skills. Thought must be given to addressing this for the practical skills required to practice physiotherapy.
A descriptive phenomenological methodology using online semi-structured focus groups was conducted. Reflexive thematic analysis produced five themes; ‘The challenges of adjusting’; ‘Flexible learning’; ‘Reduced opportunities to use preferred learning styles and strategies online’; ‘Frustrations with peers and engagement’ and ‘Confidence to apply what has been learned’.
Despite maintaining some face-to-face education throughout the national lockdowns, this study indicates a myriad of challenges concerning increased e-learning. The main issues being reduced opportunities for kinaesthetic learning and reduced confidence to apply practical skills. Thought must be given to addressing this for the practical skills required to practice physiotherapy.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - Jul 2024 |
| Event | IFOMPT 2024 (International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists), Basel: The world conference of musculoskeletal and manual physical therapy. - Basel, Switzerland Duration: 4 Jul 2024 → 6 Jul 2024 Conference number: 50 https://www.ifomptbasel2024.org/frontend/index.php |
Conference
| Conference | IFOMPT 2024 (International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists), Basel |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | IFOMPT 2024 |
| Country/Territory | Switzerland |
| City | Basel |
| Period | 4/07/24 → 6/07/24 |
| Other | The main theme for the IFOMPT 2024 conference is "crossing bridges" - Crossing bridges between research, clinical practice, education, patient's perspectives and the needs of society. The many challenges and changes that musculoskeletal and manual physical therapy are facing require critical reflection on the future from different perspecives. The conference will be a key event to discuss, advocate and share. But we will also dedicate ourselves to celebrating and making IFOMPT's 50th anniversary a very special one. |
| Internet address |
Keywords
- Covid-19
- e-Learning
- Physiotherapy
- education
- phenomenology
- Experience