9.7 - Outcomes Assessment and Quality Assurance

What is the purpose of an outcome assessment?

To measure effectiveness of interventions

What are the 4 main uses of outcome assessments?

• Legitimization of claim to insurance companies

• Legitimization of continued care

• Research

• Internal assessment of effectiveness of care

Examples of Outcome assessments

• Objective measurements (ROM, MMT, ability to ambulate, etc.)

• Clinical Assessment Tools

• Timed Up and Go

• Berg Balance

• Standardized Outcome Assessment Tools:

• Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire

• Quick DASH (Disability Arm Shoulder Hand)

• WOMAC Osteoarthritis Disability Index

• Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI)

How are outcome assessments administered?

• Typically administered at the Initial Evaluation. Level of disability is determined.

• Then Intervention

• Assessment tool is re-administered. New level of disability determined

What is the role of the PTA in outcome assessments?

• Administer outcome assessments

  • Scoring

  • Explanation of assessment tool for pt

What can a PTA not do in regards to an outcomes assessment tool?

• Calculate results of assessment tool

• Interpret result of the assessment toll

What is quality assurance?

The maintenance of a desired level of quality in a service or product, especially by means of attention to every stage of the process of delivery or production

What are types of quality assurance?

• Chart reviews

  • Assess chart for completion of documentation

  • Assess interventions to ensure they meet the standard of care

PTAs can complete some chart audit activities.

True

What is an institutional goal?

• A type of quality assurance

• A company sets a goal or standard of care that they want to meet. All employees are expected to take actions to meet the goals and/or take part in assessment towards achievement of goals. Typically geared around patient safety

What is the cycle for continuous quality improvement?

1.) Plan

2.) Measure

3.) Analyze

4.) Improve

5.) Repeat