Differences in satisfaction level of final year students and lecturers in terms of new physical conditions in school of physical therapy and rehabilitation at Pamukkale University

Abstract

Aim and Scope: The aim of this study was to determine how previous (year 2014) and present (year 2017) conditions influence the satisfaction level of the final year students and lecturers in School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation at Pamukkale University (SPTRPAU).

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted interviewing face to face with final year physical therapy students (N: 143; mean age=23.1 +/- 1.4 yrs) and lecturers (N: 28; mean age=38.3 +/- 7.4 yrs.). The study completed in 2017. Demographics including gender, age, academic grade average, year of work experience belonging to students and lecturers were recorded. Previous results obtained in 2014 compared with present results obtained in 2017. The same questionnaires created by Erden and Cavlak just used in 2014 were also used in this study of 2017. Questionnaire I (18 suggestions; Cronbach alpha=0,90) consists of statements reflecting the feedback on the content of the education program, canteen-rest areas, training program content, etc. was used by both students and lecturers. Questionnaire II (20 suggestions; Cronbach alpha=0,91) is used by students to rated their lecturers.

Results: Mean academic grade of the students was 3.1 +/- 0.37 / 4. Mean work experience of lecturers was 13.4 +/- 6.60 yrs. Questionnaire I showed that the level of satisfaction of students about education program content, grading system, counseling services, internship activities, occupational skills and overall satisfaction increased significantly compared to research 2014 aresults. On the other hand, no differences were found in terms of the other categories in Questionnaire I rated by the students. The lecturers reported improvements in canteens and resting areas only. According to the results of the research 2014, there were significant improvements in terms of satisfaction level of the students and the instructors in all fields except the contents of the training program and the equipment (p<=0.05). In 2017, there were significant differences in all areas except in the content of the training program, the equipment and work qualification after graduation (p<0.05). These results showed that the changes in the feedback of students and instructors were similar. The changes in the satisfaction level of students about their lecturers were in general satisfaction, information sharing, timing, vocational information / motivation, questioning and grading categories in Questionnaire II (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The findings of this study conducted in 2017 showed that improvements in physical conditions in SPTRPAU have had positive effects on physical therapy education.