Feasibility of Conducting Research in a Student Physiotherapy Clinic in Australia: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Purpose: Allied health student clinics are growing in number and scope, providing a potential untapped avenue for clinical research. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility of conducting a longitudinal research study over four sessions in a student physiotherapy clinic under the supervision of registered physiotherapists as clinical educators. Method: This feasibility study gathered data on recruitment in a designated time period, attendance rates and adherence of participants to the treatment, with evaluation also of the acceptability of the entire protocol to participants (patients, students, clinical educators) and to the research team. Results: Data were collected over 12 weeks. Surveys providing feedback on the acceptability of the study protocol were completed by six of the 18 patients, nine of the 12 students, and four of the seven clinical educators. All patient participants felt that the student clinic was an appropriate research site and none considered the study protocol disruptive or intrusive of their time. Students reported that the study protocol did not increase their workload or impose major barriers to treatment or building rapport with patients. Conclusion: While conducting research in a student clinic is feasible, the setting may be more appropriate for cross-sectional studies. Student engagement and educational value could be maximised by integrating the research into curriculum.