Factors influencing the use of outcome measures for patients with low back pain: a survey of New Zealand physical therapists.
BACKGROUND
Rehabilitation of patients with low back pain forms an important component of musculoskeletal physical therapist practice, yet treatment outcomes often are poorly measured.


OBJECTIVE
The study examined the methods used to evaluate treatment outcomes and factors influencing the use of outcome measures by New Zealand physical therapists.


METHODS
This cross-sectional study used qualitative and quantitative methods for data collection.


METHODS
Two focus groups were conducted: one in a private practice (n=6) and one in a public hospital (n=6). A survey questionnaire was mailed to all private practices listed in a telecommunication database and to outpatient physical therapy departments at public hospitals (n=579).


RESULTS
The mail survey achieved a 65% response rate and showed that physical therapists use improvements in person-specific functional activities as their main outcome measure. Only 40% of the respondents reported using back-related outcome measures. The statistically significant factors determining their use were having a master's degree and an increased level of knowledge of outcome measurement, but these factors explained only 22% of the variance in the logistic regression model. Lack of time, frequently mentioned as a reason for not using standardized outcome measures, did not reach statistical significance.


CONCLUSIONS
The data collected relate to the physical therapists' reported or perceived behavior, which may be different from reality.


CONCLUSIONS
Physical therapists do not routinely use outcome measures in their clinical practice. A master's degree and increased knowledge were statistically significant factors supporting increased use of outcome measures. Further research is needed on how to convey to practitioners that the information they provide can be useful and can improve patient outcomes.
Teaching and Research Unit, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Otago, PO Box 7343, Wellington, South 6242, New Zealand. janetcopelandnz@yahoo.co.nz
Janet M
JM
Copeland
William J
WJ
Taylor
Sarah G
SG
Dean
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009520:New Zealand; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D026761:Physical Therapy Specialty / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016896:Treatment Outcome