Physical therapists’ experience using focus on therapeutic outcome in outpatient clinics: A qualitative study

Abstract

While patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) are used in many practice settings as a standardized system of outcome measures, various factors may impact the meaningful use of PROMs by clinicians operating in various settings. Very limited research exists that focused on examining the use of FOTO® in outpatient rehabilitation settings. This study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators in achieving FOTO® treatment completion rates and patient functional outcomes among physical therapists. Additionally, the study aimed to explore the internal acceptance of FOTO as a useful tool in rehabilitation from the perspectives of physical therapists. Qualitative data were collected through four focus group interviews with physical therapists at outpatient rehabilitation clinics. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed, and transcribed, and qualitative content analysis was applied for data analysis. Four major themes emerged from qualitative data analyses including (a) use of FOTO® in clinical practice, (b) reasons why the FOTO® process may not be followed, (c), therapists’ perceptions of FOTO®, and (d) perceived barriers and enablers related to FOTO®. The study concluded that multi-level determinants impact the successful use of FOTO® by therapists in outpatient rehabilitation settings. The findings have important implications for clinical practice, organizational leaders, and PROM developers.

What factors do physical therapists consider when determining patient prognosis: A mixed methods study

“…FOTO consists of patient‐completed surveys based on condition and body region designed to capture functional status from the perspective of the patient prior to evaluation and following discharge from physical therapy. Functional status is reported on a continuum from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating a higher level of physical functioning (Bekmuratova et al., 2022; Gozalo et al., 2016). The NPRS is an 11‐point rating system ranging from 0 to 10, with zero being categorised as “No Pain” and 10 representing the “Worst Imaginable Pain” (Kahl & Cleland, 2005).…”

“…Functional status is reported on a continuum from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating a higher level of physical functioning SMITH ET AL. (Bekmuratova et al, 2022;Gozalo et al, 2016). The NPRS is an 11point rating system ranging from 0 to 10, with zero being categorised as "No Pain" and 10 representing the "Worst Imaginable Pain" (Kahl & Cleland, 2005).…”