Date Approved
7-8-2025
Graduate Degree Type
Project
Degree Name
Occupational Therapy (M.S.)
Degree Program
Occupational Science and Therapy
First Advisor
Dr. Ashley McKnight, DrOT, OTR/L, ATC
Second Advisor
Courtney Sauter, OTR/L, CHT
Third Advisor
Chris Moore, DPT
Academic Year
2024/2025
Abstract
Background: Physical agent modalities (PAMs) are used in preparation for or concurrently with occupational-based activities to facilitate a therapeutic response. It is valuable for OT practitioners to be confident and competent in the use of PAMs in healthcare settings. Nevertheless, there is a gap in proper education, creating a barrier to students' learning. The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) standards have only enforced the education of PAMs in accredited programs since 2020. Purpose: This study aims to establish student’s satisfaction with their learning and confidence in using PAMs. It educates clinicians and academic instructors on the importance of preparing students to use PAMs in practice. Methods: The validated survey 'Student Satisfaction and Confidence in Learning' was completed by 27 occupational therapy students to determine the impact of a PAM laboratory. It is composed of a series of thirteen closed statements that are split up into two sections, "satisfaction with current learning" and "self-confidence in learning." Results: On average, students' satisfaction with their learning increased by 0.73% for every unit increase in confidence. Accordingly, students' confidence in using PAMs increased by 0.63% for every unit increase in satisfaction on average. Discussion: The results of this validated post-survey instrument can be used for quality improvement in master's level occupational therapy curriculums. Training of PAMs is essential because it ensures proper use, effectiveness of application, and confidence of future practitioners. Furthermore, hands-on experience in a lab has an enduring effect on promoting critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills for practice.
ScholarWorks Citation
Vance, Rachael; Kolk, Kaitlyn; Lesky, Lauren; Arends, Jill; and O'Malley, Klaudia, "The Impact of Hands-On Learning of Physical Agent Modalities in an Occupational Therapy Graduate Curriculum: A Pilot Study" (2025). Culminating Experience Projects. 590.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/gradprojects/590
