Characterization and Perceived Impact on Graduates of a Specialization in Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy at a Public University in the South West of Colombia. Period 2009 - 2013

Objectives: To characterize the graduates of a specialization in cardiopulmonary physiotherapy in a public university located in the south west of Colombia in the period 2009-2013 and iden­tify the impact perceived by graduates at work level. Materials and methods: Descriptive study based on the application of a survey sent via email. The survey consisted of 33 questions assessing sociodemographic characteristics, performance areas, frequent wage income, perceived impact at workplace, and the organizational structure of the specialization. Results: The rate of graduates with work-related activity training area was 98 %. The distribution of the employing institu­tions by level of complexity was level iii (25 %) and iv (75 %). The predominant work activity was patient care (59 %), and the greatest performance area was the adult intensive care service (65 %). The teaching resource was identified as the main strength of the specialization program (77 %). The greatest positive impact perceived by the graduates was the improvement in patient care (91 %) and the least impact on salary improvement. Conclusions: The specialization degree in cardiopulmonary physiotherapy is a program that improves graduates’ performance and con­tributes to apply newly learned competencies at workplace. The results will be used to develop an action plan based on the negative impacts perceived by the graduates.