Impact of Educational Models on Student Confidence in Acute Care Physical Therapy: A Comparative Analysis

Background and Purpose Hybrid and blended education have evolved as innovative models to deliver physical therapy (PT) education.1 PT faculty rapidly integrated these models into their pedagogy during the COVID pandemic in 2020 and many have retained these methods.1 Assessment of these models most frequently use cognitive indicators of learning outcomes (e.g. National Physical Therapy Examination).2 Noncognitive indicators (e.g. confidence and self-efficacy), should be considered when assessing new educational models in PT given their relationship with competency and career direction.3-5 The impact of “distance models” on noncognitive learning indicators is of particular value to acute care where face-to-face interactions may be paramount to cultivating interest, confidence, and self-efficacy. This study compared changes in acute care self-efficacy (ACSE) in response to differing educational models in entry-level PT students.