http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/09638288.2012.709305
The use of standardised outcome measures is
an integral part of stroke rehabilitation and is widely recommended as
good practice. However, little is known about how measures are actually
used or their impact. This study aimed to identify current clinical
practice; how healthcare professionals working in stroke rehabilitation
use outcome measures and their perceptions of the benefits and barriers
to use. Method: Eighty-four Health Care Professionals and 12
service managers and commissioners working in stroke services across a
large UK county were surveyed by postal questionnaire. Results:
Ninety-six percent of clinical respondents used at least one measure,
however, less than half used measures regularly during a patient’s stay.
The mean number of tools used was 3.2 (SD = 1.9). Eighty-one different
tools were identified; 16 of which were unpublished and unvalidated.
Perceived barriers in using outcome measures in day-to-day clinical
practice included lack of resources (time and training) and lack of
knowledge of appropriate measures. Benefits identified were to
demonstrate the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions and
monitor patients’ progress. Conclusions: Although the use of
outcome measures is prevalent in clinical practice, there is little
consistency in the tools utilised. The term “outcome measures” is used,
but staff rarely used the measures at appropriate time points to
formally assess and evaluate outcome. The term “measurement tool” more
accurately reflects the purposes to which they were put and potential
benefits. Further research to overcome the barriers in using
standardised measurement tools and evaluate the impact of implementation
on clinical practice is needed.
Implications for Rehabilitation
- Health professionals working in stroke rehabilitation should work together to agree when and how outcome measures can be most effectively used in their service.
- Efforts should be made to ensure that standardised tools are used to measure outcome at set time-points during rehabilitation, in order to achieve the anticipated benefits.
- Communication between service providers and commissioners could be improved to highlight the barriers in using standardised measures of outcome.
Read More: http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/09638288.2012.709305
Uggg!!! This stuff is ridiculous. Well of course you have to measure everything and keep constant track of it...how else are you going to know if you're progressing? All my therapists probably hated me, with my pencil and notebook everyday. Measuring, recording, keeping track of everything, constantly trying to best myself. I don't care...it worked. ;)
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