Perception and Utilization of Standardized Outcome Measures in Acute Care Physical Therapy

Purpose: To assess the relationship between characteristics of acute care physical therapists (PTs) and use of standardized outcome measures (OMs); also describe the perceived barriers, facilitators, and resources to the use of OMs by PTs in the acute care setting. Methods: An electronic survey was distributed to PTs who currently work, or have worked, in the adult acute care setting in the past 5 years. Separate quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed followed by triangulation of findings. Results: A convenience sample included 227 respondents. Most respondents (n = 159, 70%) reported using OMs. PTs with a clinical specialty used OMs significantly more (P = .041) than those without. No significant difference was found in the frequency of OM use between years of experience, entry-level degree, and primary patient population. The top barrier was lack of time (60%). The top facilitator was support from administration (81%). Themes generated for barriers, facilitators, and resources included lack of resources, setting specificity, patient population and acuity, objective data, facility support, and continuing education. Conclusions: Most acute care PTs reported using OMs, although a higher frequency was observed in those with a clinical specialty. This study presents opportunities to provide knowledge translation and resources to combat barriers to OM use in the acute care setting.