By using this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. To find out more visit our privacy policy.
The "Description of Specialty Practice" is developed for each specialty area and outlines the knowledge, skills, and abilities related to clinical practice in that area. DSP content is based on a detailed practice analysis, which involves extensive research, including survey data and judgments of subject matter experts, of the knowledge, tasks, and roles that describe advanced specialty practice. The specialty panel develops the written exam from the DSP and includes a percentage of questions from each of the major content areas identified in the practice analysis.
Practice Analysis Summary (2017–2020 Revalidation)
The Geriatric Physical Therapy Specialist Certification Program conducts periodic practice analyses (revalidation studies) to ensure that examination content reflects current clinical practice. The most recent revalidation study was conducted from 2017 through 2020, with results implemented in the 2020 Description of Specialty Practice (DSP).
Methods
From 2017 to 2018, a Subject Matter Expert (SME) Revalidation Panel and the Geriatric Specialty Panel developed a practice analysis survey instrument. A pilot survey was completed in May 2018 to refine the instrument. Because of the survey length, it was split into three portions to reduce the time to answer questions. The final validation survey covered 170 competencies and was administered from April through July 2019. to a national sample of 801 practitioners, including board-certified geriatric clinical specialists and non-certified practitioners.
Results
A total of 372 individuals fully or partially completed the survey, resulting in a response rate of 46%. Responses were evaluated by the Subject Matter Expert (SME) Revalidation Panel using established criteria to ensure alignment with current geriatric specialty practice.
Outcomes
The practice analysis resulted in a validated set of competencies representing current geriatric specialty practice. These competencies were used to develop the 2020 Description of Specialty Practice (DSP) and the examination content outline, ensuring alignment between certification examination content and clinical practice.
Complimentary DSP for ABPTS applicants
A complimentary digital copy of the appropriate DSP is provided to each applicant upon acceptance of the application.
If a candidate would like a downloadable copy in advance of their application, the DSPs are available for sale in the online APTA Store. Note that DSPs are updated from time to time as the requirements for each specialty are reviewed for currency, and during that time a DSP may be unavailable in the APTA store. The Practice Analysis Summary above is provided publicly to ensure access to information regarding the methodology, results, and outcomes of the study without restriction.