REALM-INDIVIDUAL PROCESS-SITUATION METHOD AS A LEARNING TOOL FOR PHYSIOTHERAPY STUDENTS

Introduction: Realm Individual-Process Situation (RIPS) is a learning methodology for ethical decision making in Health Sciences, created specifically by physiotherapists in order to solve ethical problems of this profession. Aim: To present the strategy of use of RIPS Method regarding the study of Professional Ethics in Physiotherapy, in the subject Physiotherapy in Clinical Stays III. Methods: RIPS Method, abased on collaborative learning, was used to solve ethical clinical cases in Physiotherapy. The method we present aimed at association the learning of Professional Ethics with the development of clinical practices at hospitals. Students were divided in groups of 5 people and each group attended two group sessions, then RIPS Method was used. Two professors, who observed and registered in specific notebooks the participation of students and several criteria priory established, performed the evaluation of students during the group session. Results: This abstract presents the strategy of utilization of RIPS Method for the study of Professional Ethics. Firstly, a clinical case regarding Ethics was exposed in each session. Students had to apply the RIPS method in groups. Afterwards, a debate was performed, guided and moderated by the teacher. Then, students applied the five solving phases included in RIPS Method, as follows: 1) Recognized and defined the ethical situation; 2) Reflexed about this situation; 3) Decided the most correct option; 4) Achieved the decision they considered as the most correct, evaluated and re-evaluated it; 5) Established an order between the ethical principles. Afterwards, a debate was performed, guided and moderated by the professor. Thus, students improved their ethical when acting in difficult situations related to those they can face in their future work as physiotherapists. Conclusions. RIPS Methodology is a suitable option regarding the study of Professional Ethics in Physiotherapy in Clinical Stays III and we strongly recommend it for health-related university students. The use of this technique can promote interest between pupils and help to achieve learning objectives of Professional Ethics in Physiotherapy.