Impact of online teaching during covid-19 era on senior physiotherapy students’ clinical self-efficacy at Fatima college of health sciences, UAE

Background This study aimed to assess the impact of online teaching approaches (TAs), during the COVID-19 era, on the physiotherapy self-efficacy (PSE) of senior FCHS physiotherapy students across three clinical areas: musculoskeletal (MSK), neurological (N), and cardiorespiratory (CR), and to explore the influence of academic factors on PSE scores. Methods Data was collected for this cross-sectional study using a questionnaire. The study focused on three cohorts of pre-graduation senior PT students who experienced a mix of onsite, online, and blended TAs due to COVID-19. Results Of the 17 participating students (68% participation rate, median age 22), the results indicate a statistically significant decrease in self-efficacy from MSK to N, and ultimately to CR clinical areas. The impact of online TAs on PSE varied by courses’ specialty; TAs related to CR specialty courses significantly correlated with PSE scores, showing a preference for onsite TA to enhance self-efficacy over blended and online TAs. Few academic factors influenced students’ PSE. Conclusion The impact of online TAs, implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, on the self-efficacy of senior PT students is dependent on the specialty of the courses.