A Needs Assessment and Program Evaluation of a Physical Therapy Service-Learning Program in China

Abstract

International service-learning (ISL) programs in physical and occupational therapy programs are increasing in number. This paper describes a needs assessment and initial program evaluation conducted for a physical therapy ISL program at an orphanage in China. Chinese orphanage staff and Widener University physical therapy students were surveyed. Chinese staff expressed satisfaction with the training and provided suggestions for programming needs. Stu-dents identified areas for further education of orphanage staff and suggestions for future pro-gram design.