Qualitative Exploration of the Continuation of a Journal Club Experience by DPT Graduates in Their First Year of Practice.

PURPOSE To explore the experience of doctorate of physical therapy (DPT) graduates participating in a journal club (JC) during their first year of practice after completing a JC intervention in the last didactic semester of their entry-level program. PARTICIPANTS n=7 DPTs participating in a JC during the first year of practice. METHODS A qualitative approach including semi-structured interviews and guided by a conceptual model for first-year PT practice was used. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic data analysis was conducted. RESULTS Six themes were identified: 1) sense of community, 2) maintaining accountability, 3) variety of perspectives, 4) informed clinical practice, 5) facilitated professional role adoption, and 6) challenges. Participants also provided recommendations for other recent graduates interested in beginning a JC. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to a JC experience during the didactic phase of PT education may encourage graduates to embrace this professional behavior. Timing and meaningfulness of the JC intervention may be important factors to consider during implementation. New graduate participation in a JC may provide important support during the first year of practice. Most importantly, participation in a JC with an established community, such as fellow DPT graduates, may increase the salience and impact of this experience.