Education, HealthNCT07484295
Enhancing Screening Competencies in Bachelor Degree Education
A study testing Project Structure The doctoral project consists of two complementary research phases. Phase 1: Multicentric Randomized Longitudinal Study The first phase of the project focuses on the quantitative eva in people with Education, Health, run by Rudolf Knipp at 1 site in Austria.
Trial summary
Background Physiotherapists are increasingly expected to act as first-contact practitioners in many healthcare systems. With the growing expansion of direct access to physiotherapy services, clinicians must be able to identify serious medical conditions that require referral to a physician rather than… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Any ageHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Education, Health
- What is being tested?
- Project Structure The doctoral project consists of two complementary research phases. Phase 1: Multicentric Randomized Longitudinal Study The first phase of the project focuses on the quantitative eva
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 400 participants
- Where
- 1 siteAustria
- Study dates
- 5 Nov 2025to Mar 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages Any age
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child, Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Participants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for inclusion in the study:
- Enrollment in a Bachelor-level physiotherapy program at one of the participating universities.
- Students currently in the clinical phase of their education (e.g., semesters 3-6), when foundational knowledge in musculoskeletal assessment and clinical reasoning has already been introduced.
- Ability to understand and complete video-based clinical case assessments in the language used for the study.
- Provision of written informed consent to participate in the study. Willingness to complete both baseline and follow-up assessments within the study period.
Who cannot join
- Participants will be excluded from the study if any of the following criteria apply:
- Students in early semesters who have not yet received basic training in clinical assessment and musculoskeletal physiotherapy.
- Students who have previously completed advanced external training specifically focused on red flag screening or differential diagnosis, which could bias baseline competency levels.
- Inability to complete the online video-based assessments due to technical limitations or language barriers.
- Failure to provide informed consent. Incomplete participation in the baseline assessment, making comparison with post-intervention outcomes impossible.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Background Physiotherapists are increasingly expected to act as first-contact practitioners in many healthcare systems. With the growing expansion of direct access to physiotherapy services, clinicians must be able to identify serious medical conditions that require referral to a physician rather than physiotherapeutic treatment. These conditions are commonly described as "Red Flags." Red flag screening refers to the clinical process of identifying signs and symptoms that may indicate serious underlying pathology such as malignancy, fracture, infection, neurological compromise, or cardiovascular disease. Failure to recognize these conditions may delay appropriate medical care and can pose a significant risk to patient safety.
Despite the growing responsibility of physiotherapists in primary care settings, research suggests that screening competencies among physiotherapy students and early-career clinicians may vary considerably depending on the structure and emphasis of educational programs. Many physiotherapy curricula still primarily focus on musculoskeletal management, while structured training in clinical screening and differential decision-making remains inconsistently implemented.
Read more
In response to these developments, international professional organizations such as the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT) have published clinical frameworks and recommendations emphasizing the importance of systematic screening in physiotherapy practice.
However, empirical research investigating how screening competencies can be effectively developed and assessed during undergraduate physiotherapy education remains limited. This gap in the literature represents an important challenge for physiotherapy education and patient safety.
The overarching goal of this PhD project is therefore to investigate whether digitally standardized, video-based training and assessment approaches can improve red flag screening competencies among physiotherapy bachelor students.
Read the detailed description
Background Physiotherapists are increasingly expected to act as first-contact practitioners in many healthcare systems. With the growing expansion of direct access to physiotherapy services, clinicians must be able to identify serious medical conditions that require referral to a physician rather than physiotherapeutic treatment. These conditions are commonly described as "Red Flags." Red flag screening refers to the clinical process of identifying signs and symptoms that may indicate serious underlying pathology such as malignancy, fracture, infection, neurological compromise, or cardiovascular disease. Failure to recognize these conditions may delay appropriate medical care and can pose a significant risk to patient safety.
Despite the growing responsibility of physiotherapists in primary care settings, research suggests that screening competencies among physiotherapy students and early-career clinicians may vary considerably depending on the structure and emphasis of educational programs. Many physiotherapy curricula still primarily focus on musculoskeletal management, while structured training in clinical screening and differential decision-making remains inconsistently implemented.
In response to these developments, international professional organizations such as the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT) have published clinical frameworks and recommendations emphasizing the importance of systematic screening in physiotherapy practice.
However, empirical research investigating how screening competencies can be effectively developed and assessed during undergraduate physiotherapy education remains limited. This gap in the literature represents an important challenge for physiotherapy education and patient safety.
The overarching goal of this PhD project is therefore to investigate whether digitally standardized, video-based training and assessment approaches can improve red flag screening competencies among physiotherapy bachelor students.
Overall Aim of the Project The primary aim of the doctoral project is to enhance screening competencies in physiotherapy undergraduate education by developing and evaluating innovative teaching and assessment formats.
The project specifically seeks to:
Assess baseline screening competencies among physiotherapy students. Evaluate the effectiveness of a targeted screening training program. Explore the cognitive processes underlying expert clinical reasoning during red flag identification.
The findings aim to contribute to evidence-based curriculum development in physiotherapy education and support improved patient safety through earlier recognition of serious medical conditions.
Project Structure The doctoral project consists of two complementary research phases. Phase 1: Multicentric Randomized Longitudinal Study The first phase of the project focuses on the quantitative evaluation of screening competencies among physiotherapy students.
Study Design This phase is designed as a multicentric randomized longitudinal study conducted across several universities offering physiotherapy bachelor programs.
Participating students evaluate standardized video-based clinical cases that simulate typical patient presentations in physiotherapy practice. The videos represent realistic clinical encounters including patient history, symptom presentation, and elements of physical examination.
Students are required to classify each case according to clinical urgency using predefined decision categories:
Medically critical condition (Red Flag) - immediate medical referral required Non-critical condition - physiotherapy treatment appropriate Trial treatment with monitoring These classifications allow structured evaluation of students' ability to identify potential red flag conditions.
Intervention
Following the baseline assessment, students in the intervention group participate in a structured screening training program consisting of:
Face-to-face teaching sessions Online learning modules Case-based discussions Clinical reasoning exercises focused on red flag recognition The program emphasizes systematic screening strategies, structured patient history taking, and decision-making frameworks based on international guidelines.
A control group continues with the standard curriculum without additional screening training.
Outcome Measures Students complete a post-intervention assessment using new standardized video cases, allowing comparison of screening performance between the intervention and control groups.
The main outcomes include:
Accuracy of red flag identification Clinical decision-making accuracy Changes in screening competency over time The use of standardized video cases enables consistent assessment across institutions and facilitates scalable evaluation of clinical competencies.
Phase 2: Qualitative Investigation of Clinical Reasoning While Phase 1 investigates whether screening competencies can be improved through structured training, Phase 2 aims to better understand how experienced clinicians make screening decisions in clinical practice.
Study Objective The objective of the second phase is to explore the cognitive processes involved in red flag recognition and clinical decision-making among experienced physiotherapists.
Methodology This phase uses a qualitative research design employing the Think-Aloud method. Experienced physiotherapists will analyze standardized clinical cases similar to those used in the student assessments. While reviewing these cases, participants verbalize their thoughts and reasoning processes in real time.
These verbalized cognitive processes provide insight into:
Clinical reasoning strategies Pattern recognition Hypothesis generation Risk evaluation Decision-making pathways The interviews are audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data Analysis The qualitative data will be analyzed using structured content analysis according to Kuckartz, allowing systematic identification of themes and reasoning patterns.
The analysis aims to identify:
Key decision-making strategies used by expert clinicians Typical reasoning pathways during red flag detection Differences between novice and expert decision processes Expected Contributions This doctoral project is expected to make several contributions to physiotherapy education and clinical practice.
- Evidence-Based Curriculum Development The results will provide empirical data on the effectiveness of structured screening training programs within physiotherapy bachelor education. This evidence may support the integration of dedicated screening modules into physiotherapy curricula.
- Improved Competency Assessment The project introduces video-based assessment formats as a standardized tool to evaluate clinical reasoning and screening competencies in physiotherapy students. Such formats could enable more objective and reproducible competency assessments across institutions.
- Insights into Clinical Reasoning The qualitative component will provide valuable insights into the cognitive mechanisms underlying expert clinical decision-making. Understanding these processes can help educators design teaching strategies that better reflect real clinical reasoning.
- Enhanced Patient Safety Ultimately, improving screening competencies among physiotherapy students may contribute to earlier identification of serious medical conditions and improved patient safety.
Long-Term Perspective
In the long term, the findings of this project may support the development of innovative educational approaches, including:
digital case-based learning environments AI-assisted screening tools standardized competency assessments across physiotherapy programs The project therefore contributes to the ongoing evolution of physiotherapy education in response to expanding professional responsibilities and increasingly complex healthcare environments.
- Conditions
- Education, Health
- Being tested
- Project Structure The doctoral project consists of two complementary research phases. Phase 1: Multicentric Randomized Longitudinal Study The first phase of the project focuses on the quantitative eva
- Medical subject headings
- Health Education
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Project Structure The doctoral project consists of two complementary research phases. Phase 1: Multicentric Randomized Longitudinal Study The first phase of the project focuses on the quantitative evaDiagnostic test
The intervention is distinguished by the use of digitally standardized, video-based clinical cases that simulate authentic physiotherapy consultations from patient history to elements of clinical examination. Unlike traditional educational interventions that rely mainly on lectures or written case studies, this approach exposes students to dynamic clinical scenarios requiring real-time clinical reasoning and triage decisions.
A further distinguishing feature is the integration of training and competency assessment within the same structured digital framework, enabling objective benchmarking across institutions. The intervention also combines face-to-face teaching, online learning modules, and case-based decision training, creating a blended-learning environment specifically designed to strengthen red flag screening skills.
Additionally, the project links quantitative competency testing with a qualitative investigation of expert reasoning processes, allowing the educational intervention
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Enhancing screening competencies in physiotherapy education | Experimental | Project Structure The doctoral project consists of two complementary research phases. Phase 1: Multicentric Randomized Longitudinal Study The first phase of the project focuses on the quantitative evaluation of screening competencies among physiotherapy students.
Study Design This phase is designed as a multicentric randomized longitudinal study conducted across several universities offering physiotherapy bachelor programs.
Participating students evaluate standardized video-based clinical cases that simulate typical patient presentations in physiotherapy practice. The videos represent realistic clinical encounters including patient history, symptom presentation, and elements of physical examination.
Students are required to classify each case according to clinical urgency using predefined decision categories Receives: Diagnostic Test: Project Structure The doctoral project consists of two complementary research phases. Phase 1: Multicentric Randomized Longitudinal Study The first phase of the project focuses on the quantitative eva |
| 1. Intervention Group - Structured Red Flag Screening Training Participants assigned to the interven | Experimental | 1. Intervention Group - Structured Red Flag Screening Training Participants assigned to the intervention group receive a targeted educational program designed to enhance red flag screening competencies. The intervention consists of a blended learning format combining face-to-face teaching sessions and online modules, focusing on systematic patient screening, structured history taking, and clinical reasoning in the identification of potentially serious medical conditions. Students work with standardized video-based clinical cases that simulate real physiotherapy consultations and require classification of clinical urgency and referral decisions. The training emphasizes application of international screening frameworks and case-based decision making. Participants complete both baseline and post-intervention assessments using new standardized video cases.
2. Control Group - Standard Curriculum Participants assigned to the control group continue with the regular physiotherapy bachelor cur Receives: Diagnostic Test: Project Structure The doctoral project consists of two complementary research phases. Phase 1: Multicentric Randomized Longitudinal Study The first phase of the project focuses on the quantitative eva |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Red Flag Screening
Primary Outcome Measure Accuracy of Red Flag Identification
The primary outcome of the study is the accuracy with which physiotherapy students identify potentially serious medical conditions (Red Flags) when evaluating standardized video-based clinical cases. Participants are required to classify each case into predefined clinical decision categories:
medically critical condition requiring immediate referral, non-critical condition suitable for physiotherapy treatment, or trial treatment with monitoring. Accuracy is determined by comparing student responses with expert-defined reference classifications developed prior to the study. The outcome will be quantified as the percentage of correct classifications across all presented cases.
Measured: 18 weeks
Red Flag Screening
Primary Outcome Measure Accuracy of Red Flag Identification
The primary outcome of the study is the accuracy with which physiotherapy students identify potentially serious medical conditions (Red Flags) when evaluating standardized video-based clinical cases. Participants are required to classify each case into predefined clinical decision categories:
medically critical condition requiring immediate referral, non-critical condition suitable for physiotherapy treatment, or trial treatment with monitoring. Accuracy is determined by comparing student responses with expert-defined reference classifications developed prior to the study. The outcome will be quantified as the percentage of correct classifications across all presented cases.
Measured: 16 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted20 Mar 2026
- Study start5 Nov 2025
- Primary completionMar 2027 (estimated)
- Study completionMar 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Education, HealthStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 400 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Rudolf Knipp
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor-investigator, Rudolf Knipp, Paracelsus Medical University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07484295
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- PMU-EK_2025-0027
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 16 Mar 2026
- Last updated
- 22 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 22 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Enhancing Screening Competencies in Bachelor Degree Education
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07484295
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- PMU-EK_2025-0027
- Conditions
- Education, Health
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 400 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Rudolf KnippUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 5 Nov 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- Mar 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Mar 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 20 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Background Physiotherapists are increasingly expected to act as first-contact practitioners in many healthcare systems. With the growing expansion of direct access to physiotherapy services, clinicians must be able to identify serious medical conditions that require referral to a physician rather than physiotherapeutic treatment. These conditions are commonly described as "Red Flags." Red flag screening refers to the clinical process of identifying signs and symptoms that may indicate serious underlying pathology such as malignancy, fracture, infection, neurological compromise, or cardiovascular disease. Failure to recognize these conditions may delay appropriate medical care and can pose a significant risk to patient safety.
Despite the growing responsibility of physiotherapists in primary care settings, research suggests that screening competencies among physiotherapy students and early-career clinicians may vary considerably depending on the structure and emphasis of educational programs. Many physiotherapy curricula still primarily focus on musculoskeletal management, while structured training in clinical screening and differential decision-making remains inconsistently implemented.
In response to these developments, international professional organizations such as the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT) have published clinical frameworks and recommendations emphasizing the importance of systematic screening in physiotherapy practice.
However, empirical research investigating how screening competencies can be effectively developed and assessed during undergraduate physiotherapy education remains limited. This gap in the literature represents an important challenge for physiotherapy education and patient safety.
The overarching goal of this PhD project is therefore to investigate whether digitally standardized, video-based training and assessment approaches can improve red flag screening competencies among physiotherapy bachelor students.
Detailed description
Background Physiotherapists are increasingly expected to act as first-contact practitioners in many healthcare systems. With the growing expansion of direct access to physiotherapy services, clinicians must be able to identify serious medical conditions that require referral to a physician rather than physiotherapeutic treatment. These conditions are commonly described as "Red Flags." Red flag screening refers to the clinical process of identifying signs and symptoms that may indicate serious underlying pathology such as malignancy, fracture, infection, neurological compromise, or cardiovascular disease. Failure to recognize these conditions may delay appropriate medical care and can pose a significant risk to patient safety.
Despite the growing responsibility of physiotherapists in primary care settings, research suggests that screening competencies among physiotherapy students and early-career clinicians may vary considerably depending on the structure and emphasis of educational programs. Many physiotherapy curricula still primarily focus on musculoskeletal management, while structured training in clinical screening and differential decision-making remains inconsistently implemented.
In response to these developments, international professional organizations such as the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT) have published clinical frameworks and recommendations emphasizing the importance of systematic screening in physiotherapy practice.
However, empirical research investigating how screening competencies can be effectively developed and assessed during undergraduate physiotherapy education remains limited. This gap in the literature represents an important challenge for physiotherapy education and patient safety.
The overarching goal of this PhD project is therefore to investigate whether digitally standardized, video-based training and assessment approaches can improve red flag screening competencies among physiotherapy bachelor students.
Overall Aim of the Project The primary aim of the doctoral project is to enhance screening competencies in physiotherapy undergraduate education by developing and evaluating innovative teaching and assessment formats.
The project specifically seeks to:
Assess baseline screening competencies among physiotherapy students. Evaluate the effectiveness of a targeted screening training program. Explore the cognitive processes underlying expert clinical reasoning during red flag identification.
The findings aim to contribute to evidence-based curriculum development in physiotherapy education and support improved patient safety through earlier recognition of serious medical conditions.
Project Structure The doctoral project consists of two complementary research phases. Phase 1: Multicentric Randomized Longitudinal Study The first phase of the project focuses on the quantitative evaluation of screening competencies among physiotherapy students.
Study Design This phase is designed as a multicentric randomized longitudinal study conducted across several universities offering physiotherapy bachelor programs.
Participating students evaluate standardized video-based clinical cases that simulate typical patient presentations in physiotherapy practice. The videos represent realistic clinical encounters including patient history, symptom presentation, and elements of physical examination.
Students are required to classify each case according to clinical urgency using predefined decision categories:
Medically critical condition (Red Flag) - immediate medical referral required Non-critical condition - physiotherapy treatment appropriate Trial treatment with monitoring These classifications allow structured evaluation of students' ability to identify potential red flag conditions.
Intervention
Following the baseline assessment, students in the intervention group participate in a structured screening training program consisting of:
Face-to-face teaching sessions Online learning modules Case-based discussions Clinical reasoning exercises focused on red flag recognition The program emphasizes systematic screening strategies, structured patient history taking, and decision-making frameworks based on international guidelines.
A control group continues with the standard curriculum without additional screening training.
Outcome Measures Students complete a post-intervention assessment using new standardized video cases, allowing comparison of screening performance between the intervention and control groups.
The main outcomes include:
Accuracy of red flag identification Clinical decision-making accuracy Changes in screening competency over time The use of standardized video cases enables consistent assessment across institutions and facilitates scalable evaluation of clinical competencies.
Phase 2: Qualitative Investigation of Clinical Reasoning While Phase 1 investigates whether screening competencies can be improved through structured training, Phase 2 aims to better understand how experienced clinicians make screening decisions in clinical practice.
Study Objective The objective of the second phase is to explore the cognitive processes involved in red flag recognition and clinical decision-making among experienced physiotherapists.
Methodology This phase uses a qualitative research design employing the Think-Aloud method. Experienced physiotherapists will analyze standardized clinical cases similar to those used in the student assessments. While reviewing these cases, participants verbalize their thoughts and reasoning processes in real time.
These verbalized cognitive processes provide insight into:
Clinical reasoning strategies Pattern recognition Hypothesis generation Risk evaluation Decision-making pathways The interviews are audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data Analysis The qualitative data will be analyzed using structured content analysis according to Kuckartz, allowing systematic identification of themes and reasoning patterns.
The analysis aims to identify:
Key decision-making strategies used by expert clinicians Typical reasoning pathways during red flag detection Differences between novice and expert decision processes Expected Contributions This doctoral project is expected to make several contributions to physiotherapy education and clinical practice.
- Evidence-Based Curriculum Development The results will provide empirical data on the effectiveness of structured screening training programs within physiotherapy bachelor education. This evidence may support the integration of dedicated screening modules into physiotherapy curricula.
- Improved Competency Assessment The project introduces video-based assessment formats as a standardized tool to evaluate clinical reasoning and screening competencies in physiotherapy students. Such formats could enable more objective and reproducible competency assessments across institutions.
- Insights into Clinical Reasoning The qualitative component will provide valuable insights into the cognitive mechanisms underlying expert clinical decision-making. Understanding these processes can help educators design teaching strategies that better reflect real clinical reasoning.
- Enhanced Patient Safety Ultimately, improving screening competencies among physiotherapy students may contribute to earlier identification of serious medical conditions and improved patient safety.
Long-Term Perspective
In the long term, the findings of this project may support the development of innovative educational approaches, including:
digital case-based learning environments AI-assisted screening tools standardized competency assessments across physiotherapy programs The project therefore contributes to the ongoing evolution of physiotherapy education in response to expanding professional responsibilities and increasingly complex healthcare environments.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Enhancing screening competencies in physiotherapy education | Experimental | Diagnostic Test: Project Structure The doctoral project consists of two complementary research phases. Phase 1: Multicentric Randomized Longitudinal Study The first phase of the project focuses on the quantitative evaProject Structure The doctoral project consists of two complementary research phases. Phase 1: Multicentric Randomized Longitudinal Study The first phase of the project focuses on the quantitative evaluation of screening competencies among physiotherapy students. Study Design This phase is designed as a multicentric randomized longitudinal study conducted across several universities offering physiotherapy bachelor programs. Participating students evaluate standardized video-based clinical cases that simulate typical patient presentations in physiotherapy practice. The videos represent realistic clinical encounters including patient history, symptom presentation, and elements of physical examination. Students are required to classify each case according to clinical urgency using predefined decision categories |
| 1. Intervention Group - Structured Red Flag Screening Training Participants assigned to the interven | Experimental | Diagnostic Test: Project Structure The doctoral project consists of two complementary research phases. Phase 1: Multicentric Randomized Longitudinal Study The first phase of the project focuses on the quantitative eva1. Intervention Group - Structured Red Flag Screening Training Participants assigned to the intervention group receive a targeted educational program designed to enhance red flag screening competencies. The intervention consists of a blended learning format combining face-to-face teaching sessions and online modules, focusing on systematic patient screening, structured history taking, and clinical reasoning in the identification of potentially serious medical conditions. Students work with standardized video-based clinical cases that simulate real physiotherapy consultations and require classification of clinical urgency and referral decisions. The training emphasizes application of international screening frameworks and case-based decision making. Participants complete both baseline and post-intervention assessments using new standardized video cases. 2. Control Group - Standard Curriculum Participants assigned to the control group continue with the regular physiotherapy bachelor cur |
Who may qualify
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Participants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for inclusion in the study:
- Enrollment in a Bachelor-level physiotherapy program at one of the participating universities.
- Students currently in the clinical phase of their education (e.g., semesters 3-6), when foundational knowledge in musculoskeletal assessment and clinical reasoning has already been introduced.
- Ability to understand and complete video-based clinical case assessments in the language used for the study.
- Provision of written informed consent to participate in the study. Willingness to complete both baseline and follow-up assessments within the study period.
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Participants will be excluded from the study if any of the following criteria apply:
- Students in early semesters who have not yet received basic training in clinical assessment and musculoskeletal physiotherapy.
- Students who have previously completed advanced external training specifically focused on red flag screening or differential diagnosis, which could bias baseline competency levels.
- Inability to complete the online video-based assessments due to technical limitations or language barriers.
- Failure to provide informed consent. Incomplete participation in the baseline assessment, making comparison with post-intervention outcomes impossible.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Project Structure The doctoral project consists of two complementary research phases. Phase 1: Multicentric Randomized Longitudinal Study The first phase of the project focuses on the quantitative evaThe intervention is distinguished by the use of digitally standardized, video-based clinical cases that simulate authentic physiotherapy consultations from patient history to elements of clinical examination. Unlike traditional educational interventions that rely mainly on lectures or written case studies, this approach exposes students to dynamic clinical scenarios requiring real-time clinical reasoning and triage decisions. A further distinguishing feature is the integration of training and competency assessment within the same structured digital framework, enabling objective benchmarking across institutions. The intervention also combines face-to-face teaching, online learning modules, and case-based decision training, creating a blended-learning environment specifically designed to strengthen red flag screening skills. Additionally, the project links quantitative competency testing with a qualitative investigation of expert reasoning processes, allowing the educational intervention | Diagnostic test | 1. Intervention Group - Structured Red Flag Screening Training Participants assigned to the interven, Enhancing screening competencies in physiotherapy education |
Primary outcome
Red Flag Screening
Time frame: 18 weeks
Primary Outcome Measure Accuracy of Red Flag Identification The primary outcome of the study is the accuracy with which physiotherapy students identify potentially serious medical conditions (Red Flags) when evaluating standardized video-based clinical cases. Participants are required to classify each case into predefined clinical decision categories: medically critical condition requiring immediate referral, non-critical condition suitable for physiotherapy treatment, or trial treatment with monitoring. Accuracy is determined by comparing student responses with expert-defined reference classifications developed prior to the study. The outcome will be quantified as the percentage of correct classifications across all presented cases.
Red Flag Screening
Time frame: 16 weeks
Primary Outcome Measure Accuracy of Red Flag Identification The primary outcome of the study is the accuracy with which physiotherapy students identify potentially serious medical conditions (Red Flags) when evaluating standardized video-based clinical cases. Participants are required to classify each case into predefined clinical decision categories: medically critical condition requiring immediate referral, non-critical condition suitable for physiotherapy treatment, or trial treatment with monitoring. Accuracy is determined by comparing student responses with expert-defined reference classifications developed prior to the study. The outcome will be quantified as the percentage of correct classifications across all presented cases.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 22 Oct 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Project Structure The doctoral project consists of two complementary research phases. Phase 1: Multicentric Randomized Longitudinal Study The first phase of the project focuses on the quantitative eva in people with Education, Health, run by Rudolf Knipp at 1 site in Austria.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 22 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Austria. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Red Flag Screening (time frame: 18 weeks). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 22 Oct 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 26 Oct 2026.