Why Do My Therapists Collect Outcome Measures?

Physical therapy for limb loss

By: Cristin Beazley, PT, DPT, CBIS, Manager of Clinical Science

If you have received physical rehabilitation services at some point, your therapist likely said to you, “Today, we are going to collect some outcome measures to see where we are starting.” Hopefully, you also heard, “Today, we are going to repeat those outcome measures to see how well you are doing.” Those two statements alone should provide some insight as to why outcome measures are being performed.

Outcome measurement can give therapists an idea of where a patient is starting at the beginning of their therapy journey prior to any appointments, treatments, or intervention. Outcome measures also provide a way to see progress during the plan of care and the success of those appointments, treatments, or interventions. Now, let’s try to understand a bit more about the outcome measures that are used.

What is an Outcome Measure?

When someone refers to an outcome measure during a course of therapy, they are referring to a standardized measure that is used to understand change in a patient’s functioning, performance, or participation over time. These are used in research, program evaluation, and quality improvement.

Why Would You Use an Outcome Measure?

In therapy practice, outcome measures are used to document changes patients experience following participation in therapy. Outcome measures also provide evidence to show how effective treatment has been and should be considered valid and reliable. When something is valid, it means it is measuring what we want it to. For example, gait speed is a measure of how quickly someone walks. If it is reliable, it will measure someone’s walking speed every time it is used. When asked, 94 percent of physical therapy consumers said these tests were very or somewhat important in their care.

Outcome measures also provide an opportunity for the therapist and patient to collaborate on creating goals and relating these measures back to tasks that may be difficult. For example, if a patient is having difficulty walking across the street fast enough during a light change or getting to the bathroom quickly, the therapist would measure their gait speed—how quickly they walk—to focus on that difficult task and help the patient improve in that specific activity, which helps make therapy more meaningful.

What Types of Outcome Measures Are There?

Typically, there are two types of outcome measures used:

  • Patient-reported outcomes: These are generally formatted in a questionnaire style that can be body-part specific, diagnosis specific, or related to overall general health satisfaction. Patients will complete these questionnaires from their perspective based on their current level of impairment.
  • Performance-based outcomes: These tend to be more functional in nature and include tests of gait speed and endurance as well as strength assessments and balance measures.

A combination of both types of outcome measures provides a more holistic view of a patient’s overall status.

When are Outcome Measures Typically Performed?

It is recommended that outcome measures are performed at the start of a patient’s plan of care and, at the very minimum, at the end of a plan of care to evaluate progress toward the patient’s goals. Ideally, outcome measures should be performed on a more frequent basis to track progress over time and assess whether the current plan and interventions are appropriate and successful.

So, is it a Good Thing My Therapist is Performing Outcome Measures?

Yes! However, as the consumer of these services, it is helpful to ask your therapist a few questions, including:

  • What are you measuring?
  • How do those measurements relate to something that is meaningful to me as the patient?

At Sheltering Arms Institute, our therapists select outcome measures that are most pertinent to your care. The best outcomes result when the patient actively participates and engages in their plan of care, so ask questions and advocate for the goals that are meaningful to you!

To request an appointment, call (804) 764-1000 or visit www.shelteringarmsinstitute.com/contact-us.

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

Weight-Bearing Interventions In Stroke Recovery

Experiencing a stroke can lead to motor impairments, including hemiparesis, which is a weakness or paralysis on one side of the body. These impairments can often impact an individual’s ability to perform daily activities such as dressing, bathing, driving, walking, and using the restroom. Traditionally, physical and occupational therapy focus on helping people adapt to these changes; however, research is now recommending methods that help recover function. Weight-bearing, or putting weight on an individual’s affected arm or leg, supports stroke recovery by helping the brain and body work better together to improve balance, coordination, and strength.

Making Your Bathroom Safer

The bathroom may be one of the smallest rooms in the house, but it’s often the most hazardous—especially for those with mobility challenges, balance issues, or those recovering from injury or surgery. With a few thoughtful adjustments, you can significantly improve the safety of your bathroom and make your daily routines more comfortable and confident. Here are some practical tips to help you create a safer, smarter space.

Simple Stroke Recovery Exercises & Therapy You Can Do At Home

Are you recovering from a stroke at home? Staying home doesn’t have to mean a standstill in your rehabilitation progress! There are plenty of activities you can do in your home to maintain and continue your recovery after inpatient stroke rehabilitation care.

Top 3 Exercises for Parkinson’s Disease

Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and are looking to start a new exercise program? Research has indicated that exercise can help reduce the progression of Parkinson’s Disease and can provide relief from motor symptoms, stiffness, or mood changes that can be associated with the diagnosis. It’s recommended to see a physical therapist who is experienced in treating people with Parkinson’s Disease to identify specific areas of improvement and to assist you in establishing a safe, customized exercise program. Learn exercises to address different elements of physical exercise and wellness.

Avocado toast with turkey bacon and tomato

5 No-Egg Healthy Breakfast Ideas​

As many of you may know, there’s been an ongoing egg shortage due to the bird flu, which has significantly impacted egg prices — up by more than 50% from last year. While this may have made your usual breakfast routine a bit more challenging, fear not! There are plenty of other protein-rich options to fuel your day.

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.