The Impact of Comprehensive Clinical Training Performance on Stress Responses in Clinical Training

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between task performance and stress responses during clinical practice. [Subjects and Methods] Eighty-one subjects in their 4th year at two physical therapist training schools participated in this study. The extent of the stress responses during clinical training and training task performance were measured using the SRS18 (psychological stress reaction measurement scale), and the relationship between the two was examined by correlation analysis and regression analysis. [Results] A weak but significant negative correlation was found between the comprehensive training performance and "depressive reaction, anxiety", "grumpiness, anger", and "lethargy", and a significant weak negative correlation with the overall stress response was also observed. Moreover, in relation to the degree of stress, a significant difference was seen between the standard regression coefficient of the extent of information collection and information use. [Conclusion] In training tasks, the extent of information collection and extent of information use appear to affect the degree of stress.

A questionnaire survey of difficulties in clinical practice perceived by physical therapy students

“…Matsui et al reported that PTSs and occupational therapy students (OTSs) in Japan perceived difficulties due to their insufficient academic performance/experience, health conditions, and relationships with CIs during clinical practice 5) . Other studies revealed stress in PTSs and their strategies to cope with it during clinical practice 6,7) . Based on these findings, CIs and teachers are expected to manage stress in students while considering factors increasing such stress and student characteristics.…”