title: Defining, agreeing on, and testing an international physical therapy core data set: results of a feasibility study involving seven countries.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  To date, there has been no attempt to describe or compare physical therapy as practiced globally, nor any evidence that an international data set exists to support this effort. It is known that research evidence can be used in strategic and tactical ways, especially within the highly politicized context of the policy arena. The International Private Practitioners Association recognized the potential value a global evidence base could have in influencing policy and supporting professional development in a number of countries, yet it lacked a mechanism to achieve these aims.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purposes of this study were: (1) to identify and test an international data set, definitions, and means of data collection and (2) to establish views in relation to the value of international collaborations.
  
  
  METHODS
  A mixed, prospective design was used in the study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Phase 1 (2006-2007) involved the development of a data set, definitions, and Web-based and paper-based data collection options involving 98 physical therapists from 68 physical therapy practices in 7 countries. Phase 2 (2008-2009) involved testing of the data set in 34 practices involving 3,195 patient episodes and included physical therapist feedback of experience, local relevance of the data set, and value of international collaborations.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Testing confirmed the relevance and reliability of the data set and definitions and a preference for Web-based data collection (74.0%). Physical therapist feedback supported these findings. Most respondents (60.0%-100.0%) reported the value of further international collaborations for their profession nationally or internationally.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although a true international collaboration, the limited sample size should be recognized.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is possible to develop an agreed-upon international data set and means of data collection. Testing appears to support its acceptability and relevance for use in practice. Participants highly valued the opportunity to undertake international collaborations that may benefit their profession nationally and internationally. Further testing and use of the data set are advocated before final validation is sought.
authors.affiliation: Caledonia House, 140 Fifty Pitches Rd, Cardonald, Glasgow, Scotland. lesley.holdsworth@nhs.net
authors.forename: Lesley K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Holdsworth
authors.forename: Valerie S
authors.initials: VS
authors.lastname: Webster
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rafferty
mesh_terms: D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005246:Feedback; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D020407:Internet; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000592:standards*; D011446:Prospective Studies