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Seven-Step Framework for Critical Analysis and Its Application in the Field of Physical Therapy

Stephanie A. Nixon, Euson Yeung, James A. Shaw, Ayelet Kuper, Barbara E. Gibson
DOI: 10.2522/ptj.20160149 Published 9 November 2016
Stephanie A. Nixon
S.A. Nixon, PhD, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto, 160-500 University Ave, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1V7, and International Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation, University of Toronto.
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  • For correspondence: Stephanie.nixon@utoronto.ca
Euson Yeung
E. Yeung, PhD, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto.
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James A. Shaw
J.A. Shaw, PhD, Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Ayelet Kuper
A. Kuper, MD, DPhil, Wilson Centre for Research in Education, University Health Network; Department of Medicine, University of Toronto; and Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Barbara E. Gibson
B.E. Gibson, PhD, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto, and Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Abstract

Critical analysis (or the ability to recognize taken-for-granted assumptions and their effects) is a skill that requires teaching and practice. The purpose of this article is to introduce a framework for critically analyzing assumptions within physical therapy and illustrate its utility through application to 2 examples: a physical therapy clinic logo and an outcome measure for health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This 7-step framework for critical analysis was created for a pilot project to develop reflexivity among senior physical therapist students and further developed through an iterative process of reflecting on its utility for advancing the field of physical therapy. The 7-step framework is an iterative process involving a cascade of 7 steps: (1) name the specific aspect of practice being analyzed, (2) identify the intended purposes of this aspect of practice, (3) uncover the assumptions that support these intended purposes, (4) identify who benefits, (5) identify who is disadvantaged, (6) link these specific ideas to society-level patterns, and (7) conceive of alternatives that mitigate actual or potential harms. It is emphasized that being theoretically critical does not equate to being negative. Rather, the word “critical” is used in the sense of thinking deeply and carefully about the intended and unintended consequences of actions (including common professional practices, ways of speaking, and visual representations) in order to reflect on and mature the field of physical therapy. The purpose of critical analysis is to invite and promote dialogue that assists physical therapist clinicians, researchers, and students to arrive at new insights about the impacts of their day-to-day actions.

  • Received March 29, 2016.
  • Accepted September 14, 2016.
  • © 2016 American Physical Therapy Association
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Vol 96 Issue 12 Table of Contents
Physical Therapy: 96 (12)

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Seven-Step Framework for Critical Analysis and Its Application in the Field of Physical Therapy
Stephanie A. Nixon, Euson Yeung, James A. Shaw, Ayelet Kuper, Barbara E. Gibson
Physical Therapy Nov 2016, DOI: 10.2522/ptj.20160149

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Seven-Step Framework for Critical Analysis and Its Application in the Field of Physical Therapy
Stephanie A. Nixon, Euson Yeung, James A. Shaw, Ayelet Kuper, Barbara E. Gibson
Physical Therapy Nov 2016, DOI: 10.2522/ptj.20160149
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