Related Experiment Videos
Measuring outcomes in children's rehabilitation: a decision protocol
1Neurodevelopmental Clinical Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|June 23, 1999
Summary
This study developed user-friendly software to help children's rehabilitation providers choose outcome measures. While providers found the tool helpful and increased their knowledge, actual use of outcome measures did not change.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Health Informatics
- Clinical Decision Support
Background:
- Selecting appropriate outcome measures is crucial for effective client and program evaluation in pediatric rehabilitation.
- Service providers often face challenges in identifying and utilizing suitable outcome measures.
- Standardized frameworks can aid in decision-making for outcome measure selection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and assess the feasibility and clinical utility of a computerized, self-directed software program for selecting outcome measures.
- To empower service providers in children's rehabilitation with decision-making tools for outcome evaluation.
Main Methods:
- A before-and-after design was employed at a children's rehabilitation center.
- Service providers across various disciplines participated in the study.
- A computerized protocol based on the International Classification of Impairment, Disability, and Handicap (ICIDH) was developed and tested for 6 months.
Main Results:
- Service providers found the 'All About Outcomes' software easy to use and beneficial for decision-making.
- Significant improvements were observed in providers' comfort levels and knowledge regarding outcome measure selection.
- Audits of clinical records did not show a change in the actual use of outcome measures post-intervention.
Conclusions:
- The 'All About Outcomes' software demonstrates clinical utility in aiding outcome measure selection.
- Further research is recommended to determine if the software impacts the application of outcome measures in clinical practice.