Understanding Physical Therapist Student Defined Success: A Qualitative Study

Purpose: To (1) investigate student defined success in physical therapist education, and (2) generate key themes from the students’ perspective related to success to enhance physical therapist and health professions education. Method: A qualitative study was conducted through a series of focus groups with 13 first-year and 13 second-year Doctor of Physical Therapy students. Study participants were asked open-ended questions regarding student success and the associated contextual factors. An inductive coding method with thematic analysis utilizing Dedoose software identified major themes. Results: The use of focus groups allowed for in-depth participant discussion, with sample excerpts presented. Data analysis yielded five categories or final codes and three major themes: (1) self-management and growth, (2) performance and learning, and (3) balancing commitments. Discussion: Personal attributes proved to be the main area that students relate to success. Students’ definition of success extended beyond the standard academic performance benchmarks, such as exam scores and licensure pass rates. They were eager to discuss other areas of success such as self-care, balancing commitments and their ability to understand and apply important concepts related to decision making and delivery of care for their future patients. These results have implications for enhancing instructors’ understanding of student defined success with the potential opportunity for educational interventions within physical therapist and other health professional education.