A Survey of "Felt" Versus "Real" Needs of Physical Therapists

Abstract

Constantly emerging knowledge has made continual learning a necessity for health-related professionals. This research deter mined some educational needs of one professional group, physical therapists, to help plan necessary continuing education. A ques tionnaire was administered to 77 physical therapists to determine and compare felt needs (personal perceptions symptomatic of problems) and real needs (actual knowledge or skill weaknesses). A literature review prompted the hypothesis (null form) of no correlation between perceived felt needs and demonstrated real needs. Statistical testing (Pearson correlation) suggested a failure to reject the null hypothesis (.05 level). The differences existing between felt and real needs indicates the complexity of the needs assessment process and the limitations of a mailed questionnaire that only solicits perceptions of need in planning continuing edu cation programs.

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