Use of outcome measures by UK allied health professionals: a cross-sectional online survey

Abstract

Background/Aims Outcome measures are key tool for assessing the effects of healthcare on health status, but little is currently known about their use by allied health professionals in the UK. This study aims to explore the use of outcome measures by allied health professionals, with a view to informing future research and developing clinical training resources. Methods An online survey regarding use of outcome measure was developed, including 28 questions covering demographic and professional characteristics, frequency of use of outcome measures, perceptions of and barriers to use and confidence in use. The survey was distributed to UK allied health professionals by contacting relevant professional bodies and using social media. Comparisons between groups were made with the Mann-Whitney U test, Chi square or comparisons of column means. Significance was set at 0.05. Results Responses from 107 allied health professionals were analysed, representing 13 of the 14 allied health professional groups across the UK. Most respondents (85%) used outcome measures, with 37% reporting frequency of use as ‘always’ and 33% as ‘often’. Most respondents (75%) used informal approaches to interpret outcome measure data, while 17% used normative data and 15% used minimal clinically important difference values. The most commonly reported barriers were lack of time (70%), administrative support (47%), resources (41%) and training (35%). Levels of pre-registration and post-registration training in outcome measures were low (28% and 56% respectively). Postgraduate training in outcome measures was significantly associated with frequent use of outcome measures (P=0.010). Conclusions Most UK allied health professionals use outcome measures regularly, but few use formal approaches to interpret the data collected. This study highlights a need for training for pre-registration and post-registration allied health professionals in the use of outcome measures.