The Utilization of orthopedic standardized outcome measures of physical therapists in tertiary hospitals on Quezon City : a descriptive study / Shawn O. Alfonso, Joanna Pauline A. Furiel, Jericho V. Gomez, Ruth B. Monteyro, Ma. Divina M. Pili and Ma. Angelica Mariz S. Santiago.

Includes appendices and bibliographical references.

Abstract: Standardized outcome measures is a key component to the assessment and progression of treatment of physical therapy patients. Its use is recommended and supported by several studies and published articles. The main purpose of this study was to determine the utilization of orthopedic standardized outcome measures in the practice of physical therapy Of five (5) tertiary hospitals in the selected locale, only three (3) participated in this study. A non-probability, purposive sampling was used to select subjects. A total of 30subjects participated from three (3) tertiary hospitals within the vicinity of Quezon City. Subjects were either employed Licensed Physical Therapist or were listed a volunteers. Other affiliated centers were not included and withdrawn from the study. The study used the descriptive design, which utilized a survey-type questionnaire is based from the study of Jette (2009). Each question pertained on how physical therapists know, use, and analyze outcome measures for orthopedic cases. Most participants (n=17) answered that they seldom use outcome measures and the rest either does not use (n=1) or are (n=12) using outcome measures. Out of these participants, eight (8) uses the Foot and Ankle Measure, another eight (8) uses the Oswestry Low Back Pain Index, and twenty-one (21) participants answered that they use various outcome measures that were not specified in the study. Twenty-seven (27) out of the thirty (30) participants answered that the top perceived benefits of outcome measures help direct plan of care and enhances thoroughness of PT examination. In contrast, the top perceived problems in using outcome measures are that not all therapists or patients are fluent in English and it takes too much time of the patients. Majority of the participants perceived that outcome measures makes it easier to determine progress/outcomes of individual patients, improves quality assurance (n=21), makes it easier to communicate with other health care providers (n=20), and makes it easier to determine average patient improvement to examine practice effectiveness (n=17). Most newly graduate physical therapists with less years of experiences are less likely to use standardized outcome measures. There is still a need for Filipino Physical Therapists to increase the utilization of standardized outcome measures. Physical Therapy professionals are aware of the specific benefits of using standardized outcome measures in their practice settings. Majority of the participants agrees that there are still problems in the utilization of standardized outcome measures. Outcome measures as an essential tool to ensure quality and service efficiency.

Thesis - School of Physical Therapy