Abstract:
Orthopaedic manipulative therapy (OMT) like other areas of physiotherapy, is a rapidly advancing field. To keep abreast of changes, curricula need regular evaluation and updating. The curriculum consists of many components that may vary from content to timetabling.
The aim of this study was to determine how past graduates from the University of the Witwatersrand perceived the OMT curriculum with regards to content, teaching methods and clinical learning. This information will contribute to an overall evaluation of the present OMT curriculum.
The sample consisted of graduates from 1997-1999. Questionnaires and interviews were used to gather the information. Some interviews were carried out following analysis of answers to the questionnaire to clarify issues or gain additional information.
Results indicated that eighty one percent of the sample found the content relevant to clinical practice, but forty two percent found certain aspects of the content inadequate. The following areas of content were deficient: sixty percent found information on patient education, advice and counseling related to OMT inadequate. Fifty five percent would have liked to be more exposed to research in this area. Sixty seven percent felt that teaching of clinical reasoning skills was lacking. Ninety four percent would have liked information on other joint mobilization concepts.
It was perceived that active learning methods were more effective than passive learning methods. Fifty eight percent found tutorials, sixty eight percent found practical sessions, and fifty eight percent found workshops very effective.
With regards to clinical learning, seventy seven percent found supervision very helpful in clinical placements. Eighty one percent found patient presentations helpful, and seventy one percent found discussion of patients with lecturers very helpful.
Most responses indicated that the OMT curriculum was relevant to current practice in South Africa but inadequate in certain specific areas.
