Naslov
The five-year Study of Physiotherapy in Croatia – the first experience, the importance and expectations

Autori
Schuster, Snježana ; Petrak, Olivera ; Milaščević, Darko

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, sažetak, znanstveni

Izvornik
Abrstacts of World Physical Therapy Congress, Amsterdam 2011. / Crompton, Simon - : Penifields Business Centers fot WCPT, 2011, 48-49

Skup
World Physical Therapy Congress, Amsterdam 2011.

Mjesto i datum
Amsterdam, Nizozemska, 20.06.2011. - 23.06.2011

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Poster

Vrsta recenzije
Međunarodna recenzija

Ključne riječi
Education; Physiotherapy; Croatia

Sažetak
Purpose. University of Applied Health Studies Zagreb has started with 3 years bachelor education in physiotherapy in 1999. (180 ECTS), and in 2007. with 5 years education (3+2). 4th and 5th year are conceived as Master’s program in physiotherapy, during which 120 ECTS points are awarded, and as such is unique in Croatia, and the countries of the region. The main reason of developing a program as this one is in adapting and equalizing to the European and global standards in higher education in physiotherapy, as well as improving clinical physiotherapy standards. The Master’s program in physiotherapy should us as a basis for continuous education towards PhD programs in physiotherapy. Relevance. This study analyzes the satisfaction of students of first and second generation of Master’s program in physiotherapy in Croatia with different aspects of their education during the 2 years of this program. Expectations about possibility of future clinical use of the knowledge acquired during the program, possibilities of employment with the new degree, and professional status, will also be observed. Descriptions. University of Applied Health Studies Zagreb has a practice of evaluating the program and teaching staff, trough student´s satisfaction, using the questionnaire assigned form Ministry of science, education and sports that holds 25 particles on numeric scale from 1 to 5. For the quality assessment of practical education a shorter questionnaire is used, made at the University (6 particles with numeric scale from 1 to 5). In addition to that, for the use of this study, a special questionnaire has been made based on the questions about experience and opinions of Master’s program students. Evaluation. The program evaluation after first two semesters (first year of the program) has shown that students are exceptionally satisfied with theoretical and practical education ; most often graded 5. A gradual decrease is evident in second semester in relation to the first semester ; an average grade is 4, 27, and for the second semester 3, 98. Additionally, the results of the questionnaire complete the picture about student’s satisfaction concerning the time delay, because the majority of first generation students have already graduated. Conclusions. Five year study program in physiotherapy enables equalization of physiotherapy education in Croatia with European and global standards, as well as WCPT standards of education. Experiences of first generation students show satisfaction with quality in program organization, knowledge improvement, and perspective of employment in clinical as well as educational institutions. The results also show the satisfaction in improving the quality of service for physiotherapy beneficiaries and perspectives for the safer professional status on the labor market. However, the perspective of continuous education trough PhD program in Croatia is unclear because the employment market does not recognize a degree as doctor of physiotherapy, at this point. In future studies the priority will be on analyzing the possibility of organizing a doctoral study in physiotherapy, in accordance with WCPT educational goals and recommendations. Implication. Use of this study is expected in providing more quality of service for physiotherapy beneficiaries, improving the quality of work of physiotherapists working in education, and perspective of professional status of physiotherapists within the compatibility of the legal frames.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Kliničke medicinske znanosti

POVEZANOST RADA