Outcome Measure Unit 3
Outcome Measure Unit 3
Outcome Measure Unit 3
Outcome measures that we use in clinical practice are divided into four categories:
Self-report measures
Performance-based measures
Observer-reported measures
Clinician-reported measures
Self-report measures are typically captured in the form of a questionnaire. The questionnaires are
scored by applying a predetermined point system to the patient's responses.
Although self-report measures seem subjective in nature, self-report measures objectify a
patient's perception.
Historically, the questionnaires required that either a therapist interviewed the patient or the
patient independently completed the questionnaire.
Self-report outcome measures that use paper and pencil for completion are considered a fixed-
form questionnaire. Computer based or electronic self-report measures are available.
Electronic measures may be fixed-form or adaptive. Computerized adaptive testing is a method
of testing that determines the questions for a response based on the patient's previous responses.
The questionnaires where the patient reports on health or physical function are known as patient-
reported outcomes (PRO).
PROs can be categorized as disease specific or generic. PROs have been defined as "any report of
the status of a patient's health condition that comes directly from the patient, without
interpretation of the patient's response by a clinician or anyone else."
Performance-based measures require the patient to perform a set of movements or tasks. Scores
for performance-based measures can be based on either an objective measurement (e.g., time to
complete a task) or a qualitative assessment that is assigned a score (e.g., normal or abnormal
mechanics for a given task).
Performance-based measures and patient reported measures both capture a current status.
These measures do not typically equate with each other. Performance-based measures tend to
bring to light physiologic factors. Patient reported outcome measures may capture a patient's
perception, beliefs, social factors and/or health factors.
Observer-reported measures are measurements completed by a parent, caregiver
or someone who regularly observes the patient on a daily basis.
Clinician-reported measures are measurements that are completed by a health care
professional. The professional uses clinical judgement and reports on patient
behaviors or signs that are observed by the professional.
Statistical Analysis
Important features of an outcome measure that need to be taken into account when using an
outcome measure are its psychometric properties. Psychometric properties are the intrinsic
properties of an outcome measure. Ideally, the psychometric properties of an outcome
measure used in practice should have been developed and tested through a series of research
studies.
Financial Considerations
What is the cost of this test?
Is a licence required?
Is equipment required?
Therapist Implementation
Is the measure easy for a clinician to conduct?
Is special training required/available?
Are there clear standardised instructions on how to carry out and score the measure?
How long does it take to carry out the measure?
How long does it take to record results?
Resources
Is special equipment or are special forms required?
Is space sufficient for this measure to be carried out?
Client
How much time does it take for the person to complete?
Is the task difficult?
Is privacy required?
References
↑Iansek R, & Morris ME (Eds.) (2013). Rehabilitation in movement disorders. Cambridge University Press.
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