Outcome measurement in Australian rehabilitation environments.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the frequency and pattern of methods of outcome assessment used in Australian physical rehabilitation environments.


METHODS
Postal survey.


METHODS
A questionnaire on service type, staffing, numbers of adults treated and outcome measures used for 7 conditions related to injury and road trauma as well as stroke and neuromuscular disorders was sent to 973 services providing adult physical rehabilitation treatment.


RESULTS
Questionnaires were completed by 440 service providers for a response rate of 45%, similar to that reported in a recent European survey reported in this journal. A small number of measures were reported as in use by most respondents, while a large number of measures were used by a few respondents. Measures of physical changes were used more frequently than those of generic well-being or quality of life. Ease of use and reporting to other professionals were cited as the most important reasons in selection of outcome measures.


CONCLUSIONS
This Australian-wide survey detected considerable heterogeneity in outcome measurement procedures used in rehabilitation environments. While the goal of measurement may vary between providers and differ between conditions, the results highlight opportunities for harmonization, bench-marking and measurement of health-related quality of life.
Douglas
Heather
H
Centre of National Research on Disability and Rehabilitation Medicine, Mayne Medical School, The University of Queensland, Herston, Australia.
Swanson
Cheryl
C
Gee
Travis
T
Bellamy
Nicholas
N
D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D009468:Neuromuscular Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D011788:Quality of Life; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014911:Whiplash Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*