Creating a Computer Simulation with Ill-Structured Problems for Physical Therapists in the Acute Care Setting

Abstract

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to identify the types of ill-structured problems physical therapists face in the acute care setting for a computer simulation to train students in a professional physical therapist education program. Ten physical therapists who practiced in the acute care setting in four large urban Midwestern hospitals participated in semi-structured interviews. Results show that acute care physical therapists experience complex, ill-structured problems that encompass all direct and indirect patient care activities and are complicated by system factors outside of their control. Solving the problems described by the participants requires clear and accurate communication and an awareness of the role of physical therapy in the acute care setting. The use of these authentic challenges for a computer simulation can allow students in a professional physical therapist education program to develop better problem-solving skills.