An evaluation of outcome measures for use by occupational therapists working in an inpatient Intermediate Care setting
Abstract
Executive Summary
One of the most challenging decisions for an occupational therapist is selecting the most
appropriate outcome measurement tool (RCOT 2015a; Law et al. 2017). Outcome
measures are used to evaluate a client’s progress, and hence, should be valid, reliable,
and able to measure the impact of the rehabilitation interventions on the individual clients.
It is a Government recommendation and standard for all occupational therapists to
measure the effectiveness of intervention in order to evidence the necessity of the
profession and the service. Occupational Therapy outcome measurement tools are of
significant importance due to the increased focus within the NHS on efficiency and
economic performance, and the additional pressure placed on services and professions to
evidence their value (Brindle 2015). Furthermore, these measures remain essential in
demonstrating the efficiency of occupational therapy overall whilst ensuring maintenance
of quality healthcare for individuals (Wendy 2013; RCOT 2017; NICE 2017).
Intermediate care settings are newly established and are, therefore, under additional
pressure to evidence their benefits. To date, a specific outcome measure has not been
developed for use in an inpatient intermediate care service. Liberton hospital, a service
based in Edinburgh, have unsuccessfully trialled a number of outcome measures. The
trialled outcome measures failed to suit the service ethos and client group. However,
these findings have influenced the design of this project evaluation, the aim of which is to
explore outcome measures as a tool for occupational therapists and identify a suitable
measure to be implemented in practice.
An online questionnaire was created and distributed by email to occupational therapists in
the service. Through the collection of qualitative and quantitative data, participants were
able to voluntarily contribute their own knowledge and share personal experiences of
using outcome measures. Five participants completed the questionnaire, and their
responses highlighted the following points in relation to outcome measures:
vi
1. Outcome measures were identified as very important for practice.
2. A number of barriers were highlighted to administering outcome measurement
tools in practice. The tools were felt too time consuming leading to increased
paperwork. In addition, they were not occupation focused or practicable to service
setting and required additional training.
3. Key areas, properties and functional skills required by the outcome measure to use
within the service were identified.
The results of the questionnaire assisted the project lead in completing the following stage
of the project which involved an exploration of literature in relation to outcome measures.
Findings from the literature highlighted four outcome measures which contained suitable
properties, meeting the requirements for use within the service. An outcome measure
resource was developed to present the findings to the service.