Use of Outcome Measures by Physical Therapists in Convalescence Rehabilitation Wards and the Reasons for Their Selection

Abstract

[Purpose] To determine the outcome measures used and the reasons for selecting them in convalescence rehabilitation wards as part of research contributing towards their establishment and dissemination. [Participants and Methods] Five hundred physical therapist managers were surveyed using open-ended questions. In the analysis, outcome measures were classified into two groups, locomotor disorders and cerebrovascular diseases, depending on the disease with the highest number of subjects, and compared. Content analysis was conducted on the reasons for outcome measure use. [Results] The Functional Independence Measure (86.2%) and Brunnstrom Recovery Stage (80.9%) were the most used outcome measures. A comparison between the two groups regarding the use of outcome measures showed significant differences in the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Numerical Rating Scale, standing on one leg, and the Barthel Index. Their frequencies of use were higher in the locomotor disease group. Content analysis divided the reasons for selecting outcome measures into ten main categories, and the proportion “having well-founded evidence” was higher. [Conclusion] It was found that the Functional Independence Measure and Brunnstrom Recovery Stage were frequently used in convalescent rehabilitation wards, and that “having well-founded evidence” was an important reason for selecting them.