Does Participation in Physical Therapy Student-Run Free Clinics Relate to Altruism, Social Responsibility, and Cultural Competency Post-Graduation? A Pilot Study

Abstract

Introduction: The American Physical Therapy Association Code of Ethics and Vision Statement encourage physical therapists to provide pro bono services to the economically disadvantaged, uninsured, and underinsured. Despite professional socialization during professional education, physical therapists and physical therapy students consistently indicate the need for improvement in social responsibility and altruism. The purpose of this study is to identify if participation in student-run free clinics (SRFC) as student physical therapists correlates with high values of altruism, social responsibility, and cultural competency as practicing physical therapists.

Methods: An electronic survey was distributed to practicing therapists who had the opportunity to participate in SRFCs as physical therapy students. The survey consisted of 48 questions divided into six sections: SRFC involvement; value on providing pro bono services, altruism, social responsibility, cultural competency; demographics.

Results: Eighty-five practicing physical therapists completed the survey. A significant correlation was found between hours volunteered in a SRFC and valuing altruism (r_s=0.32, p=0.003) and hours volunteered and valuing providing pro bono services (r_s=0.56, p<0.001). A significant correlation was also found between holding a leadership position in a SRFC and valuing providing pro bono services (r_s=0.45, p<0.001). Of those who previously volunteered, 86.3% (n=63) indicated that they never to occasionally provide pro bono services in their current practice. In addition, 52.1% (n=38) indicated that they never to occasionally provide physical therapy services to underserved and underrepresented populations in their current practice.

Conclusion: Practicing physical therapists are lacking demonstration of social responsibility and altruism despite participation in SRFCs as physical therapy students.