From Classroom to Clinic: Exploring the Connection Between Academic and Clinical Performance in Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy

This study examined the relationship between academic performance in pre-clinical assessments and clinical placement outcomes among entry-level physiotherapy students in cardiorespiratory physiotherapy. It also compared academic and clinical performance across genders and investigated the correlations between these two areas within the context of cardiorespiratory physiotherapy. The results from two cohorts of physiotherapy students in a single educational institution underwent retrospective analysis. The study compared academic performance data from pre-clinical assessments with clinical placement outcomes, further examined gender differences and investigated correlations between academic and clinical performance. Consistent academic performance was demonstrated across written assessments, but it correlated weakly with clinical placement outcomes. The findings highlight the importance of professional attributes, such as learning and work integration, professionalism, communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and teamwork, which were not assessed in pre-clinical assessments. No significant gender differences were found in academic or clinical performance, except in practical exams. The study suggests that clinical success, in addition to academic results, relies on additional skills not evaluated in pre-clinical assessments. It emphasises the need for holistic assessment frameworks to better bridge the gap between academic and clinical training, ensuring future physiotherapists are prepared for diverse clinical challenges.