Study explores physical therapists' use of outcome measures

A recent study led by Professor Brian Hafner, PhD, and his team at the University of Washington Center for Outcomes Research in Rehabilitation (UWCORR) found that physical therapists (PTs) are increasingly expected to use outcome measures (OMs) to demonstrate patient improvement in day-to-day clinical practice. 

This study assessed PT’s use of OMs, including their perceived value, motivations for use, and the resources available for administration. 

A survey of PTs demonstrated that while nearly all use OMs, performance-based tests are more common and valued than self-report surveys. Most PTs feel confident in their ability to administer OMs, but fewer believe they are standardized across the profession. 

PTs are more willing to spend time on performance-based tests and generally have the space and resources to conduct them. Standardizing OM protocols could improve consistency and effectiveness in physical therapy practice.

The research team included Affiliate Associate Professor Sara Morgan, PhD, CPO; Assistant Professor Geoffrey Balkman, PhD, CPO; Research Coordinator Rana Salem, MS; Research Scientist Alyssa Bamer, MPH; and Doctoral Student Rachael Rosen, PhD, CPO from the University of Washington’s Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Assistant Professor Anat Kristal, PhD, PT and Associate Professor Ignacio Gaunaurd, PhD, PT from the University of Miami’s Department of Physical Therapy.

This study is online now in the National Library of Medicine.