Spinal Cord Injury Outcome Measures Overview
Original Editor - Naomi O'Reilly
Top Contributors - Naomi O'Reilly, Kim Jackson, Tarina van der Stockt and Rucha Gadgil
Introduction[edit | edit source]
An Outcome Measure is the result of a test that is used to objectively determine the baseline function of an individual at the beginning of treatment. Once treatment has commenced, the same instrument can be used to determine progress and treatment efficacy. With the move towards Evidence Based Practice (EBP) in the health sciences, objective measures of outcome are important to provide credible and reliable justification for treatment. The instrument should also be convenient to apply for the therapist and comfortable for the individual.
An integral part of evaluating clinical practice is to objectively assess the intervention and measure it against a set of outcomes to determine its efficacy. Prior to determining any intervention, careful choice of treatment goals and aims is essential in individuals with a spinal cord injury in order to identify and determine appropriate outcome measures. This means the therapist can ensure they are providing the most appropriate intervention that meets the treatment goals and expectations of the individuals with a spinal cord injury and the clinical team.
Measuring the effectiveness of interventions is accepted as being central to good practice. This page presents the best available information on how outcome measures for spinal cord injury might be classified and selected for use, based upon their measurement qualities.
Resources[edit | edit source]
Spinal Cord Injury Research Evidence Project Outcome Measures Database
Participation and Quality of life (PAR-QoL) Tool-Kit
Shirley Ryan Ability Lab Rehabilitation Measures Dayabase
