Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 24, 2026
Measuring the Functional Abilities of Children Aged 3-6 Years Old with Observational Methods and Computer Tools
Published on: June 20, 2020
Use of outcome measurement by paediatric AHPs in Northern Ireland
Anita Harron1, Jill Titterington2
1CIDS Team, Knockbracken Healthcare Park, Belfast, UK.
Insights
Most paediatric allied health professionals (AHPs) use outcome measurement (OM), but 25% need support. Implementing OM requires protected time, expert guidance, and outcome-based funding for AHP services.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Professionals
- Allied Health
- Paediatric Care
Background:
- Professional standards recommend routine outcome measurement (OM) for allied health professionals (AHPs).
- Current policy emphasizes impact-based OM, assuming its integration into AHP practice.
- Evidence for widespread OM adoption in paediatric AHPs is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the readiness of paediatric allied health professionals (AHPs) in using outcome measurement (OM).
- To identify factors influencing the use of OM among paediatric AHPs.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 133 paediatric AHPs in the NHS, Northern Ireland, using the Clinician Readiness for Measuring Outcomes Scale (CReMOS).
- CReMOS assessed readiness using 26 Likert scale statements based on the Transtheoretical Model of Change.
Main Results:
- Approximately 75% of clinicians reported using OM, while 25% require support for implementation.
- Similar patterns of OM use were observed across speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists.
- While most clinicians recognized the value of OM, various factors influenced its application.
Conclusions:
- Paediatric AHPs would benefit from protected time and expert support to enhance OM practices.
- Outcome-based funding for AHP services could further facilitate the adoption of OM.
- Further research is needed to explore different OM types and their specific barriers and facilitators.
Background:
Professional standards advocate routine use of outcome measurement (OM) in the practice of allied health professionals (AHPs). Historically, OM has focused on impairment and its immediate constraints on activity, while current policy encourages the development and addition of impact-based OM. There appears to be an assumption at this stage of AHP development that the use of OM is well embedded into practice. However, there is no evidence to support this assumption, which leads to the current investigation into the overall readiness of paediatric AHPs-speech and language therapists (SLTs), occupational therapists (OTs) and physiotherapists (PTs)-to use OM.
Aims:
To investigate the readiness of paediatric AHPs in the use of OM and to consider what influences this use.
Methods & Procedures:
A total of 133 paediatric AHPs working in the National Health Service (NHS) in Northern Ireland completed the Clinician Readiness for Measuring Outcomes Scale (CReMOS). CReMOS's 26 statements are rated on a six-point Likert scale identifying readiness to use OM based on the Transtheoretical Model of Change.
Outcomes & Results:
While about 75% of clinicians were using OM, 25% require support to roll this out in their practice. This pattern was similar across the professions, and while the majority perceived the value of OM, several factors influenced their use.
Conclusions & Implications:
Clinicians would benefit from protected time and support from experts/role models to promote and facilitate best practice in the use of OM. Furthermore, funding for AHP services based on measurable outcomes for service users would facilitate their use in practice. Further research teasing out the different types of OM and the supports and barriers to their use would be very valuable.
Related Concept Videos
01:11Guidelines for Writing Outcome
Patient outcomes reflect the patient's response to the goal rather than what the nurse aims to achieve. Terminology should be observable and measurable to avoid the reader's interpretation. The desired outcome should be realistic and achievable in the designated care timeframe. Expected outcomes should align with adjunctive therapies. The outcome should enhance care...
01:15Nursing Evaluation