Breaking Down Barriers to the Utilization of Standardized Tests and Outcome Measures in Acute Care Physical Therapist Practice: An Observational Longitudinal Study

Background Standardized tests and outcome measures (STOM) have not been consistently implemented as part of most physical therapists’ practice. Incidence of STOM use among physical therapists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center was similar to low levels cited nationally among acute care physical therapists. Targeted knowledge translation (KT) strategies have been suggested to promote the application of research evidence into clinical decision making. Purpose The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) effort was to implement a series of interventions aimed at increasing both use and interpretation of STOM by physical therapists practicing in acute care. Design This study used an observational longitudinal design. Methods A literature review identified current barriers and facilitators to the use of STOM by physical therapists. KT strategies were tailored to the practice setting in order to target barriers and promote facilitators to the use of STOM. Data were collected through retrospective chart review at baseline and then subsequently at 4 periods following the implementation of the QI project. Results A statistically significant increase in both the use (primary outcome) and interpretation (secondary outcome) of STOM was observed following the implementation of KT strategies. The increase was sustained at all subsequent measurement periods. Limitations Limitations include the lack of a control group and the small number of setting- and diagnosis-specific STOM available for use by physical therapists practicing in acute care. Conclusions Implementation of KT strategies was associated with an increase in the frequency of use and interpretation of STOM. Similar QI efforts are feasible in any acute care physical therapy department and potentially other settings.