Student Experiences in Creating and Launching a Student-Led Physical Therapy Pro Bono Clinic: A Qualitative Investigation

Abstract

Background The physical therapy profession has called for the provision of pro bono services. Little is known about the impact on students involved in sustainable pro bono leadership. One physical therapy program established a pro bono physical therapy clinic under the direct leadership of a board of students. Objective The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of the inaugural members of the Chester Community Physical Therapy Clinic Student Board in creating and launching the student-led pro bono physical therapy clinic. Methods A purposive sample of the 18 members participated in semistructured interviews. Content analysis was conducted using a commercially available software program. Trustworthiness was enhanced with credibility, transferability, and confirmability. Results The emergent categories were: (1) leadership skill development, (2) competency in hands-on clinical and administrative skills, and (3) commitment to both the community and the clinic. Pride emerged as a strong and overarching theme throughout the experience. Conclusions The student-led pro bono clinic meets several Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education criteria in a sustainable manner and serves as a means for measuring and meeting program mission and goals. Participation in the program was a meaningful experience and developed ownership, leadership skills, and pride among the students. There are also possibilities for expanding aspects of the program so that all physical therapist students can benefit from pro bono service opportunities.