Physical Therapy Student and Clinician Competence and Confidence Interpreting Musculoskeletal Medical Images: Survey of Two Illinois Curricular Models and Clinicians Within the United States

OBJECTIVE: To (a) explore Doctor of Physical Therapy student competency and confidence in interpreting musculoskeletal medical imaging and (b) compare results from 2 Illinois programs to clinicians throughout the United States. We aimed to (i) compare students at two programs with different curricular imaging models; (ii) compare students with physical therapy clinicians; and (iii) determine characteristics that enhanced competence in interpreting imaging. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey using an imaging quiz. METHODS: Students were recruited from two programs: one using a standalone imaging curriculum (SC) and another an integrated curriculum (IC). Clinicians were recruited from advertisements and professional websites. Participants completed a quiz comprising three case scenarios with medical images and questions about confidence. RESULTS: One hundred twelve students and 178 clinicians completed the quiz. There was no difference in competence scores between students of the curricular models ( p=.771). Students from the SC program had superior confidence in image interpretation ( p=.0291) than those in the IC program. Clinicians scored higher than students in competence (p<.001) and confidence. Residency/fellowship ( R 2 =.035,p=.012) and continuing imaging education ( R 2 =.032,p=.017) correlated with imaging competency. CONCLUSION: There was no difference in competence in interpreting musculoskeletal imaging between the SC and IC programs. Clinicians may show better competence and confidence than students, but more research is needed.