Research
The PIER Center engages in high-impact, collaborative research focused on optimizing post-professional learning and learning-centered clinical environments to help rehabilitation professionals and clinical organizations maximize patient outcomes.
Current projects
Evaluating the Value of Physical Therapy Residency and OMPT Fellowship Education on Non-Operative Knee Pain: A Mixed-Methods Study
In collaboration with researchers from The Ohio State University and Brooks Rehabilitation, this study examines the association between post-professional training and patient outcomes, resource utilization and cost for adults with non-operative knee pain, while also capturing patient perspectives on the value of FAAOMPT care.
Funding: Cardon Research Award, American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT), $12,000.
Effects of a Multidisciplinary Program to Increase Functional Mobility Opportunities for Patients With Stroke During Inpatient Rehabilitation: A Pilot Implementation Study
In partnership with Encompass Rehabilitation Jacksonville, this study evaluates a staff training program designed to increase opportunities for upright mobility, including transfers and walking, for patients recovering from stroke during inpatient rehabilitation.
Grant support: Encompass Health Therapy Grant, $15,100.
Factors Shaping DPT Students’ Post-Professional Education Pathways
A national longitudinal study examining how Doctor of Physical Therapy students decide whether to pursue residency training or academic doctoral education after graduation, with implications for strengthening both the clinical and research rehabilitation workforce.
Grant support: Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, $40,000 (2025).
Fortifying the Physical Therapy Workforce: Development of an Innovative Approach to Examine the Efficacy of Physical Therapists’ Transition to Practice Pathway
This pilot study develops an evaluation methodology to better understand the factors that support successful transition to clinical practice for new graduates, helping organizations reduce burnout, improve retention, and promote high-quality patient care.
Grant support: Brooks College of Health, $15,000.
Publications
PIER Center publications
Selected publications connected to PIER Center work and Dr. Osborne’s scholarship at UNF.
- National Study Examining Excellence and Value in Physical Therapist Residency Education: Part 2, A Call to Action
- National Study Examining Excellence and Value in Physical Therapist Residency Education: Part 1, Design, Methods, and Results
- Identifying Perspectives on Physical Therapist Residency Program Goals: Hallmarks of Success and Excellence
- Student Physical Therapists’ Orientation to Postprofessional Education and Perceptions of Strain: Identification of 4 Subgroups of Students Based on Cluster Analysis
- American Physical Therapy Association Clinical Practice Guideline Implementation for Neck and Low Back Pain in Outpatient Physical Therapy: A Nonrandomized, Cross-sectional Stepped-Wedge Pilot Study
- Virtual Rehabilitation and COVID-19: Varied Adoption and Satisfaction Among Patients and Providers Participating in a Multi-Site Survey Study
- Residency Education: Is It Now or Never?
- Motivations to Pursue Physical Therapy Residency Training: A Q-Methodology Study of Stakeholder Perspectives
- What Determinants Affect Inpatient Satisfaction in a Post-Acute Care Rehabilitation Hospital?
Related foundational publications
Additional publications that informed the PIER Center’s approach to learning-centered clinical environments and rehabilitation workforce development.
- Musculoskeletal Pain Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Development: Determining Patient-Centered Research Priorities
- COVID-19 Impacts on Florida’s Healthcare Professionals
- Structural Equation Modeling: Effects of Master Adaptive Learner and Clinical Learning Environment Attributes on Career Satisfaction and Intention to Stay
- Healthcare Worker Engagement in the United States: A Scoping Review of the Literature
- Professional Engagement: A Consensus Definition and Key Indicator Behaviors for Physical Therapists
Note: PDFs are not posted to the site for accessibility reasons. When available, links direct to publisher, DOI, or PubMed pages.
Presentations
Upcoming platform presentation
APTA Combined Sections Meeting, Anaheim, CA, Saturday Feb. 14
Title: Determinants of DPT Students’ Intentions to Pursue Residency Education: A Baseline Analysis
ID: 50942
Additional presentations are available upon request. Selected PIER Center related items will be added from the director’s CV.