Browsing Physiotherapy by Title
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Njoki, Emma; Frantz, Jose M.; Mpofu, Ratie (Informa Healthcare, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: Purpose. To determine the health promotion needs through an exploration of health-related behaviours and the factors that influence the behaviour of physically disabled youth with spinal cord injury. Methods. A descriptive and exploratory study that utilized a qualitative approach was carried out among ten participants aged between 15 and 29 years who were purposely selected. Information was obtained from individual face-to-face interviews and a focus-group discussion. Results. The participants were involved in risky health behaviours including sedentary lifestyles, use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. Various factors that influenced their participation in these behaviours were identified including personal struggles with identity and adjustment issues. Conclusions. The results emphasize that participants were involved in health-risk behaviours, which are associated with development of secondary conditions such as respiratory problems, heart diseases, and stroke. Health-promotion strategies employed for these individuals should address the psychological impact of spinal cord injury (SCI) on the individual as an influence to participation in health risk behaviours. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/399 Files in this item: 1
FrantzHealthPromotion2007.pdf (246.3Kb) -
Moodley, Colleen; Phillips, Julie (Africa Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sport and Dance/LAM Publications Limited, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: The impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic is mostly felt by adolescents as half of all new HIV/AIDS infections have occurred in people aged 15-24 years. Statistics show that campaigns implemented by the South African government have failed to bring about positive behavioural change among young people. The aim of this study was to determine the HIV/AIDS-related knowledge among students at a college and the association between knowledge, self-efficacy, self-concept in sexual practices. This study was conducted at a Further Education and Training College in Cape Town. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires consisting of five sections including demographic information; sexual practices; knowledge of HIV/AIDS, levels of self-efficacy; and self-concept. Fifty four percent of the participants indicated no condom use when having sex, either by themselves or by a partner; 43% indicated that they had more than 2 sexual partners in the 12 months prior to the study. The odds that a person with higher HIV/AIDS knowledge will use a condom were 1.047 times greater than someone with less HIV/AIDS knowledge. The odd’s ratio for self-efficacy indicates a positive relationship with the number of partners of an individual. The findings of the present study suggest adequate/high HIV/AIDS knowledge among the study sample. The study further highlights that for males, there is a greater likelihood that lower self-efficacy would predict more sexual partners in comparison to females. The results further suggest that although governmental organisations’ efforts improved knowledge of HIV/AIDS, programmes avidly promoting self-efficacy for males should be implemented. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/505 Files in this item: 1
MoodleySexualHealth2011.pdf (139.7Kb) -
Tumusiime, David; Frantz, Jose M. (Africa Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation,Sport and Dance/LAM Publications Limited, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: Physical inactivity is one of the leading causes of the major non-communicable diseases, which contribute substantially to the global burden of diseases, death and disability. The burden of mortality, morbidity and disability attributable to non-communicable diseases is currently greatest and is continually growing in the developing countries. Most declines in physical activity (PA) occur during the transition period when a person goes from high school to College or University. The objectives of this study were to identify perceived benefits of and barriers to PA and determine whether previous participation in PA does have an influence on these perceptions. A cross- sectional and descriptive study with quantitative design was conducted. Five hundred (500) tertiary institution students were randomly sampled from purposively selected departments and classes at each of the five government educational tertiary institutions in Rwanda. A pre-coded self-administered questionnaire with a small number of open-ended questions was administered to the students. A response rate of 425 (85%) was obtained. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data, by means of SAS version 8 software. Frequencies and percentages for mean score values with standard deviations for each perception variable were descriptively obtained. False Discovery Rate (FDR) at 5% for multiple test adjustment and Spearman’s correlation (r) tests were used to identify the significant influence of previous participation on perceptions. More than 70% students were not participating in PA at tertiary level. Psychological benefits of PA were some of the most important perceived benefits cited by the students. Most of the important barriers cited concerned equipment and time constraints to exercising. Associations were found between previous participation and the current perceptions of PA. The findings of this study demonstrate that previous participation can influence perceptions of PA among the students. Physical activity promotion programmes should consider the role of these factors which should be emphasised from childhood. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/397 Files in this item: 1
TumusiimePhysicalActivity2006.pdf (127.2Kb) -
Rowe, Michael (Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Information and communication technology has been shown to be increasingly important in the education and professional practice of healthcare workers. The World Health Organisation (WHO) discusses the benefits of using ICT in the Primary Healthcare setting in terms of better access to information, improved communication between colleagues, facilitating continuing professional development and providing learning tools for healthcare professionals, patients and the community as a whole. This review of the literature describes the role of information and communication technology (ICT) in the education and professional practice of healthcare workers and goes on to outline the challenges facing the widespread adoption of ICT. The conclusion is that ICT does indeed have a positive role to play in both the education and professional practice of healthcare workers, including physiotherapists, as long as it is implemented as an adjunct to established and proven practice, and not a replacement. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/61 Files in this item: 1
Rowe_Information2008.pdf (398.8Kb) -
Frantz, Jose M. (Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: A number of initiatives were launched in various countries worldwide to provide quality physical education in schools. However, the promotion of participation in sport and specifically elite sport is still regarded to be economically more feasible, than the introduction of physical education in schools and “sport for all” programmes at community level. In order to improve the current situation, the conventional ideas of the school physical education programme needs to be reconsidered and more serious consideration should be given to the preferences and needs of the key stakeholders. The aim of the study was to determine the views of teachers and learners with regards to physical education and the promotion of physical activity in a local community school. Participants included learners and teachers involved in life orientation and coaching of sport in a high school in a local community in the Western Cape, South Africa. The school was purposively selected as it caters for the previously disadvantaged learners in the area. Data was collected by means of focus group discussions. The results indicated that both the learners and teachers appreciated the benefits associated with participation in physical education but also highlighted significant barriers that prevented the effective implementation of physical education programmes in the school. South Africa needs a structured, cost effective approach to physical and health education in schools that stipulates national objectives and detailed strategies to realize the objectives. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/118 Files in this item: 1
FrantzPhysicalEducation2008.pdf (46.38Kb) -
Rowe, Michael (Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: Institutions of higher learning are under pressure to respond to the changing needs of today's learners and the use of information and communication technology has been at the forefront of that change. Furthermore, the use of social software to enable people to interact with each other in a dynamic way has been identified as one possible solution. This survey sought to identify the knowledge and attitudes of South African physiotherapy students towards the use of social software in a physiotherapy department. The design was a cross-sectional, descriptive survey that took place in a university physiotherapy department in the Western Cape, South Africa. It included 135 students and used a self-developed questionnaire. Results showed that these students had only a superficial understanding of social software and that they did not make use of common services. They did however, show an openness to new approaches and a willingness to interact with lecturers outside the traditional classroom setting. A lack of access to appropriate technology was identified as one possible factor for their lack of understanding. Conclusion Any attempt to incorporate social software to improve teaching and learning practice into this department would have to be accompanied by significant training and support. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/62 Files in this item: 1
Rowe_Knowledge2009.pdf (68.47Kb) -
Frantz, Jose M. (Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Objective: The author aimed to develop a valid and reliable questionnaire that would measure the knowledge of learners relating to risk factors for chronic disease of lifestyle such as stroke, diabetes and hypertension. The questionnaire was intended to be used as part of a health education programme aimed at improving the knowledge of learners as it relates to risk factors for chronic diseases of lifestyle. Method: The development of the questionnaire was guided by Williams 9 steps of questionnaire design and was influenced by the national curriculum of education’s life orientation programme and literature. A 31 item questionnaire was designed and presented to an expert panel. Content validity was done by the expert panel and face validity was tested through informal discussions with high school learners. Reliability testing was done using the test-retest method and Kappa co-efficient was used to test stability of the items. The questionnaire was administered to 40 high school learners but only 30 did the test the second time. Results: The questionnaire yielded a reliability analysis that revealed internal consistency with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.897. The average score obtained by learners using this questionnaire was 14. The questionnaire can be used for learners with a grade 10 education. The questionnaire also highlighted that learners had a moderate knowledge relating to risk factors for chronic diseases of lifestyle and the need for appropriate information interventions was emphasized URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/115 Files in this item: 1
FrantzQuestionnaire2008.pdf (372.6Kb) -
Frantz, Jose M.; Rhoda, Anthea; Rowe, Michael; Phillips, Julie; Karachi, F; Mlenzana, Nondwe; Pharaoh, H; Steyl, Tania; Struthers, Patricia (South African Society of Physiotherapy, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: A growing shift towards research and evidence based practice in academia is associated with requirements to disseminate research results in the form of publication in peer reviewed journals. Mentoring has been identified as an important component of developing young authors, as it increases confidence and competence, and facilitates professional development. This led to the formation of a support group to stimulate peer-review publication in the physiotherapy department at the University of the Western Cape. The Kirkpatrick Framework of Evaluation was used to evaluate the success of the mentoring process which made use of a participatory action research methodology. The writing group consisted of nine academic members of staff and took place over ten weeks. The programme included writing, giving feedback, discussion and peer review on a weekly basis. Focus group discussions were taped and transcribed in order to evaluate the mentoring process by identifying relationships within the data and categorising key concepts, which were shaped into a thematic framework. The findings indicated that participants experienced a variety of emotions throughout the programme, with an overall feeling of personal growth by the end. In addition, participants also reported improved writing, reviewing and communication skills. Six months following the programme, six participants had submitted at least one article to a peer reviewed journal. It is clear from this study that some academics still find the task of writing and reviewing articles daunting, and that guidance and support in the form of a writing programme can be useful. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/190 Files in this item: 1
FrantzMentoring2010.pdf (323.0Kb) -
Biraguma, Juvenal; Rhoda, Anthea (Taylor & Francis, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: Although the life expectancy of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) has increased in the past years, they could experience secondary illness such as peripheral neuropathy (PN). Therefore, they need to adapt to chronic disablement which could affect their quality of life (QoL). The research that informed this article aimed at determining the prevalence of PN among adults living with HIV/AIDS and attending the outpatients’ clinic at Rutongo Hospital in the Rulindo district of Rwanda. Another aim was to determine these patients’ QoL. A cross-sectional descriptive quantitative research design was used. A time-constrained method was used to sample 185 adults living with HIV/AIDS and attending the outpatients’ clinic at Rutongo Hospital. The subjective PN screen and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Brief Version were used to collect the data. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Student’s t-test and one-way analysis of variance were performed to determine if significant differences existed between QoL scores in participants with and without PN symptoms. The results indicated that 40.5% of respondents experienced PN. QoL in participants with PN showed significantly lower scores in the physical (p ¼ 0.013) and psychological (p ¼ 0.020) domains when compared with those who did not have PN. These results indicate a high prevalence of neuropathy among PLWH attending the outpatients’ clinic at Rutongo Hospital. In addition, patients with neuropathy had lower QoL scores in the physical and psychological domains than those without neuropathy symptoms. The management of PLWH should therefore include interventions to optimise QoL as well as screening for neuropathy symptoms so that sufferers can liaise with their medical providers to find medical and supportive therapies that could assist them. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/529 Files in this item: 1
BiragumaPeripheralNeuropathy2012.pdf (98.16Kb) -
Matheri, Joseph Mwangi; Frantz, Jose M. (Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: Purpose: To determine the levels of and potential contributing factors to participation in physical activity among young people with physical disabilities attending high school in Kenya. Methods: A cross-sectional survey, using a pre-piloted and validated self-administered questionnaire, was carried out in a purposively selected sample of 234 young people with physical disabilities drawn from three inclusive high schools in Kenya. The questionnaire comprising outcome measures for physical activity levels, barriers, and facilitators to physical activity participation was administered to the young people. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and both descriptive and inferential statistics were done. Results: Almost half of the children in the sample were inactive. Key barriers to physical activity were found to be: fear avoidance and disability, lack of time and the need to rest. Finding ways to exercise that are enjoyable, and not being in good health were associated significantly to gender (p<0.05). Likewise, age was significantly associated with gaining peer acceptance, as was encouragement from family and having disability (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results indicate there is a need, for activity counselling and provision of local disability-friendly and/or conducive environments to increase physical activity participation in this sample. All stakeholders should be enlisted in making recommendations and designing physical activity programmes for young people with disabilities in their schools. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/120 Files in this item: 1
MatheriActivityLevels2009.pdf (117.5Kb) -
Frantz, Jose M. (Stellenbosch University, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: This study aimed to determine the physical activity levels and existence of risk factors associated with chronic diseases of lifestyle among high school learners. A crosssectional research design was used to obtain information about physical activity levels from 951 learners from two high schools in a local community in the Western Province of South Africa. Physical activity levels were obtained using the KUOPIO Ischaemic Heart Disease 24-hour physical activity record over a seven-day period. Anthropometrical and blood pressure measurements as well as behaviours including cigarette smoking and alcohol use were recorded as risk factors for chronic diseases of lifestyle. Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (2000). Risk factors were identified as obesity, physical inactivity, smoking and hypertension. Variance of analysis (ANOVA) was used to statistically determine differences in groups. The results indicated that 32% of the learners were classified as being physically inactive and that 21% engaged in health risk behaviours. In addition, 35% of the learners had more than one risk factor for chronic diseases of lifestyle present. Since cardiovascular risk factors have been shown to persist into adulthood, health professionals should assume some responsibility for the prevention, detection, and intervention relevant to cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/398 Files in this item: 1
FrantzPhysicalInactivity2006.pdf (194.4Kb) -
Rowe, Michael; Frantz, Jose M.; Bozalek, Vivienne (South African Society of Physiotherapy, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: The relevance of non-technical skills have long been acknowledged as important components of clinical learning, and there is evidence that integrating technology can facilitate their development by encouraging reflection, and by enhancing communication and reasoning. However, effectively integrating technology into learning practices must take the contextual needs of students into consideration. The aim of this study was to determine what online tools undergraduate physiotherapy students at one South African university are familiar with, and how they use them as part of their learning practices. The case study was conducted in a university physiotherapy department in the Western Cape during 2010. A cross-sectional, descriptive design used a survey to obtain quantitative and qualitative data from participants, and a plot study was conducted to test the reliability of the instrument. All ethical considerations were adhered to. Seventy six percent of participants had access to the internet at home, and 93% of them belonged to a social network, although fewer than half used it for their studying. Few students reported using the internet for more than information retrieval but reported wanting to use it for enhanced communication with lecturers. Almost all respondents believed that lectures were a useful way to learn. However, 61% added that integrating online learning activities with lectures could have value. Integrating technology into healthcare education has the potential to develop non-technical skills that are relevant for clinical practice. However, this group of students currently lack the experience and insight to use technology effectively as part of their learning practices. Educators must take cognisance of the educational and contextual needs of students if they wish to integrate technology into clinical teaching. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/309 Files in this item: 1
RowePhysiotherapyStudents2012.pdf (530.7Kb) -
Rhoda, Anthea; Mpofu, Ratie; DeWeerdt, Willy (South African Society of Physiotherapy, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: The structure and process of rehabilitation of stroke patients affects the outcomes of the patients. The aim of this study was to determine the structure and process of rehabilitation of stroke patients at Community Health Centres (CHCs) in the Western Cape, South Africa. A quantitative descriptive study was conducted. Questions and archived records were used to collect the data. The study sample used to collect information related to the structure consisted of therapists (16) employed at the centres; while the study sample used to collect information related to the process consisted of 100 first time stroke patients. Descriptive statistics were conducted using Excel and SPSS . The results of the study revealed that there is a lack of occupational and speech therapy services at the centres forming part of the study sample. At centres where these services are provided the frequency and intensity with which the services are received by the patients is extremely low. Further research is needed to determine if the decreased intensity is only as a result of decreased availability of services or if inability of stroke clients to access the services also plays a role URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/522 Files in this item: 1
RhodaStructureRehabilitation2009.pdf (188.2Kb) -
Rowe, Michael; Frantz, Jose M.; Bozalek, Vivienne (Association for Medical Education in Europe, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Developing practice knowledge in healthcare is a complex process that is difficult to teach. Clinical education exposes students to authentic learning situations, but students also need epistemological access to tacit knowledge and clinical reasoning skills in order to interpret clinical problems. Blended learning offers opportunities for the complexity of learning by integrating face-to-face and online interaction. However, little is known about its use in clinical education. AIM: To determine the impact of blended learning in the clinical education of healthcare students. METHODS: Articles published between 2000 and 2010 were retrieved from online and print sources, and included multiple search methodologies. Search terms were derived following a preliminary review of relevant literature. RESULTS: A total of 71 articles were retrieved and 57 were removed after two rounds of analysis. Further methodological appraisals excluded another seven, leaving seven for the review. All studies reviewed evaluated the use of a blended learning intervention in a clinical context, although each intervention was different. Three studies included a control group, and two were qualitative in nature. Blended learning was shown to help bridge the gap between theory and practice and to improve a range of selected clinical competencies among students. CCONCLUSION: Few high-quality studies were found to evaluate the role of blended learning in clinical education, and those that were found provide only rudimentary evidence that integrating technology-enhanced teaching with traditional approaches have potential to improve clinical competencies among health students. Further well-designed research into the use of blended learning in clinical education is therefore needed before we rush to adopt it. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/308 Files in this item: 1
RoweBlendedLearning2012.pdf (1.048Mb) -
Wegner, Liezel; Struthers, Patricia (Africa Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation,Sport and Dance/LAM Publications Limited, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: In the Western Cape, learners with physical disabilities are accepted into ordinary schools (a school that is not a special school) as a part of the inclusive education initiative. This article reports on a survey designed to determine the types of sports that are available for learners with physical disabilities in ordinary public primary schools and the factors influencing their participation in sport. The study sample included 31 learners with physical disabilities (learners with movement or mobility difficulties or who used an assistive device) attending seven ordinary public primary schools, one teacher from each school and one teacher from each of eight conveniently selected special schools. Three questionnaires were used, one for the learners, another for the teachers at the ordinary schools and the third for the teachers at the special schools. Analysis was done using SPSS Version 15. The main findings of the study were that 32% (n=10) of learners participated in sports. They were expected to participate in the type of sports that were already offered at the school. No adapted sport was offered specifically for these learners. Most learners wanted to participate in swimming. Fewer types of sports were offered in ordinary schools than in special schools. Barriers to participation included poor teacher preparation and inadequate financial support. The shortage of support from school staff, occupational therapists and physiotherapists in addition to inadequate financial support needs to be addressed by the Department of Basic Education and Department of Sport and Recreation to enable the learners to participate in sports at ordinary schools. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/470 Files in this item: 1
WegnerSportsDisability2011.pdf (126.4Kb) -
Frantz, Jose M.; Smith, Mario (Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Strategies for improving the publication output of academics are an essential component of research directives at tertiary institutions. The aim of this report was to highlight the effects of a writing retreat as an intervention strategy used by a university faculty to improve academic publication output. The strategy used included a structured programme over a period of three days guided by a facilitator. METHODS: The report uses a qualitative design to report the effects of the writing retreat on the participants. RESULTS: The major themes that emerged were reviewing and critical reading, writing for publication, personal growth and confidence, dedicated time, peer mentoring, programme structure and facilitation, and future directives. CONCLUSION: From the feedback obtained, it is evident that strategies such as a writing retreat provide academics with an opportunity to produce articles that are a benefit to the authors’ career trajectories as well as the institutional publication profile of their university. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/188 Files in this item: 1
FrantzSmithStaff2010.pdf (106.5Kb) -
Assuman, Nuhu; Frantz, Jose M. (Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Introduction Although stretching increases soft tissue flexibility and joint range of motion, numerous studies demonstrated contradictory findings as to its effect in injury prevention. Aim The purpose of this systematic review is to assess the effectiveness of stretching on the prevention of injuries. Methods An electronic search using MEDLINE, SCIENCE DIRECT, COCHRANE, EBSCOHOST, SPORTDiscus and CINAHL databases, checking the references. Randomised control trials (RCTs) and cohort studies investigating stretching as an injury prevention measure published in the last decade were selected in this review. Methodological quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool. Results Two RCTs and two prospective cohort studies all of high quality were included in this analysis. One cohort study found that stretching reduced the incidence of exercise related injuries. Two RCTs and one cohort study found that stretching did not produce practical reduction on the occurrence of injuries. Conclusion Stretching exercises does not give a practical useful reduction in the risk of injuries. Not enough recent research has been done to draw definitive conclusion on the effect of stretching in injury prevention. Well designed studies are needed to shed light as to the effect of stretching in exercise-related injury risk reduction. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/117 Files in this item: 1
NuhuStretching2008.pdf (374.7Kb) -
Rowe, Michael (Informa Healthcare, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: Background: The development of practice knowledge is an important component of clinical education and reflective reasoning is known to play a role in its development. Online social networks may have some potential for developing practice knowledge by providing tools for clinical educators to guide students’ reasoning practices. Aim: To determine if an online social network could be used to facilitate reflective reasoning in clinical contexts, as it relates to developing practice knowledge. Method: The study was conducted within a South African university, physiotherapy department, using an online social network to facilitate engagement. Tharp and Gallimore’s theory of assisted performance was used as a framework to conduct qualitative analysis of students’ reflective blog posts within the network. Results: The lecturer was able to use strategies within the assisted performance framework to facilitate reflection among students. These included modelling, contingency management, feedback, instruction, questioning and cognitive structuring. The features of the social network enabled enhanced communication between teacher and student, as well as promoted engagement around clinical scenarios. Conclusion: Online social networks can be used to facilitate reflective reasoning as part of the development of practice knowledge by exposing students’ understanding of clinical practice. However, careful facilitation using sound pedagogy is still necessary to guide students to deeper understanding URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/427 Files in this item: 1
RoweSocialNetworks2012.pdf (185.4Kb) -
Rowe, Michael (South African Society of Physiotherapy, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: The dominant form of teaching in higher education remains the lecture, even though evidence suggests that it alone is inadequate to facilitate the development of the higher order thinking skills required in clinical practice. The use of wikis may have a role to play in facilitating collaborative learning practices that are important for professional development. This descriptive survey evaluated the use of a wiki for a collaborative learning activity within small groups of undergraduate physiotherapy students in a South African university. Students participated in a wiki-based assignment and were then surveyed using open- and closed-ended questions to determine their perceptions and experiences of the process. The results indicate that although a wiki can be used to develop relevant content, there were significant challenges in its implementation. These included a poor understanding by students of how to work effectively in groups, a lack of physical and epistemological access to the internet, and the need for adequate preparation and support. Some features of the wiki were found to have an impact on the quality of the work produced, including the use of Discussion pages, peer review, and the public nature of the wiki. The conclusion is that wikis may have a role to play in collaborative groupwork, but that that students need to be adequately prepared and supported throughout the process. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/495 Files in this item: 1
RoweCollaborativeLearning2012.pdf (617.0Kb) -
Rowe, Michael; Struthers, Patricia (South African Society of Physiotherapy, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: The global shift toward the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in health education and practice has been shown to enhance both the educational opportunities and the support provided to students and healthcare professionals. This study aimed to investigate the use of ICT by South African physiotherapy students and what their experiences and perceptions were regarding their use of ICT as part of their studies. The study design was a cross-sectional, descriptive survey using a self-administered questionnaire. The survey population included all of the undergraduate physiotherapy students from six of the eight universities offering the physiotherapy degree in South A frica (N=1105). The sample size consisted of 529 students from the survey population who completed and returned questionnaires, indicating a response rate of 48%. The results of the study showed that the use of ICT by South African physiotherapy students varied according to task, racial group and university attended. Furthermore, the reported use of ICT for communication, research and continuing professional development was low. In conclusion, this study indicates that with a move toward the use of ICT to enhance health education and practice in South A frica, certain groups of physiotherapy students may be at a disadvantage if required to make use of ICT as a means of improving communication, enhancing education, participating in lifelong learning opportunities and accessing support. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/92 Files in this item: 1
Rowe_ICT2009.pdf (181.2Kb)