Physical Therapists’ Understanding of Geriatric Patient Advocacy: A Mixed Method Study
Open Access
- Author:
- Karnish, Kristen M
- Graduate Program:
- Adult Education
- Degree:
- Doctor of Education
- Document Type:
- Dissertation
- Date of Defense:
- February 09, 2015
- Committee Members:
- Elizabeth Jean Tisdell, Dissertation Advisor/Co-Advisor
Elizabeth Jean Tisdell, Committee Chair/Co-Chair
Robin Redmon Wright, Committee Member
Ann Swartz, Committee Member
Hengameh Hosseini, Committee Member - Keywords:
- Advocacy
Physical Therapy
Critical Gerontology
Geriatrics - Abstract:
- This project focuses on physical therapists in their role as adult educators and advocates for their geriatric patients. As such, the purpose of this mixed methods study was two-fold: a) to investigate physical therapy professionals’ understanding/perspectives of patient advocacy for geriatric patients in healthcare settings; and b) to explore physical therapists’ experiences of geriatric patient advocacy including advocacy actions, the context of advocacy efforts, and the perceptions of meaning these efforts have for practitioners, patients and patients’ families. The theoretical framework of the study was grounded in critical perspectives of adult education and critical gerontology. An Attitude toward Patient Advocacy Scale was modified to assess physical therapists’ attitudes, beliefs and practices of geriatric patient advocacy. One hundred thirty eight licensed physical therapists completed the survey and indicated overall favorable attitudes, beliefs and practices of physical therapists who work with geriatric patients. The quantitative data also revealed significant differences in scores of physical therapists who have board certification in geriatric physical therapy. Ten qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted from among those respondents whose scores were in the top 15th percentile. The qualitative findings on the shaping of their attitudes show that participants: became passionate about geriatrics through happenstance; perceive older adults as marginalized; embrace the professional challenges that help shape attitudes and beliefs of working with older adults. The findings on advocacy reveal how they: traverse the bureaucracy of health care; empower and protect geriatric individuals; and champion community and political responsibility. Lastly, the current findings describe the defining actions and experiences of advocacy efforts including themes of challenging limits, seizing opportunities and preparing/protecting the future. As a result of the research, the critical perspectives of adult education and the framework of critical gerontology are merged to foster geriatric patient advocacy in all physical therapists.