A Pragmatic Feasibility Trial to Promote Student Perspective-Taking on Client Physical Activity: A Collaborative Project

This mixed-methods parallel two-arm trial assessed the feasibility, appropriateness, and acceptability of a theoretically-informed intervention designed to improve perspective-taking skills in preparation for a future definitive randomized control trial. Using a 1:1 allocation ratio, student participants (N = 163) in Respiratory, Physical, and Occupational Therapy; Nurse Practitioner; and Kinesiology programs at a Canadian university were randomly assigned to full or partial intervention conditions. Full intervention participants completed an online workshop on perspective-taking and practiced perspective-taking prior to an in-lab 10-minute dialogue with a trained client-actor (masked to condition) about the actor\'s physical inactivity. Partial intervention participants received the workshop after the dialogue, and were instructed to be aware and mindful of the approach that they took to seek understanding. To be considered feasible, outcomes needed to meet or surpass our criteria (e.g., within-course recruitment: 85-95% of a course when embedded within a course, 5-10% when not embedded). Feasibility and appropriateness were assessed by comparing recruitment rates, protocol, and psychometric outcomes to criteria. Acceptability was assessed by analyzing exit interviews. Recruitment rates, protocol, and psychometric outcomes largely met criteria, and the study was acceptable.