Subjective measures and clinical decision making.
I have attempted to use Feinstein's model of clinimetric indexes and his criteria as a focus for further development of measures that in physical therapy are currently considered "soft" or "subjective". I feel this development will enhance the body of knowledge by objectifying a portion of clinical assessment (eg, the patient's complaints, "subjective" portion of the POMR's SOAP format) that is in tremendous need of quantification. By making these "soft" data "hard," I feel we will enhance the decision-making power of clinicians.
Delitto
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Program in Physical Therapy, Washington University Medical Center, St. Louis, MO.
D019937:Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures; D006801:Humans; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000379:methods*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index