Chapter 5: Examination and Evaluation: Outcome Measure Interpretation

For the Instructor Guide and Worksheet Key please contact user services at userservices@mheducation.com

Click here to view the Neurologic Lab Manual Video Introduction to the Core Measures Assessment.

OUTLINE

Objectives:

The student will appropriately:

1. Administer outcome measures to assess balance, gait, transfers, mobility impairment, and cognition in a safe manner and as directed by the instructions for each measure.

2. Describe the domains measured by common outcome measures.

3. Differentiate measures by which domains each measure assesses.

4. Describe the strengths and weaknesses of common measures of mobility, balance, function, and cognition.

INTRODUCTION

Activity 1. Balance and Dizziness

Students practice administering the following outcome measures:

• Berg Balance Scale (BBS)

• Mini BESTest—includes the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and the Timed Up and Go Cognitive.

• Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI)

• Activities of Balance Confidence Scale (ABC)

Students answer questions for each section.

Activity 2. Mobility and Transfers

Students practice administering the following outcome measures:

• 6 minute walk test (6 MWT) includes the 2 minute walk test (2 MWT)

• 10 meter walk test (10 mWT) or Gait Speed

• Functional Gait Assessment (FGA)

• Five Times Sit to Stand Test (5TSTS)

Students answer questions for each section.

Activity 3. Cognition and Functional Measures of Hand/Arm

Students practice administering the following outcome measures:

• Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)

• 9 Hole-Peg Test (9HPT)

• Action Reaction Arm Test (ARAT)

• Fugl-Meyer (Motor Performance)

Students answer questions for each section.

WORKSHEET

Introduction:

Outcome measures are tools that have been developed to measure a specific domain, disorder, or concept. When selecting an outcome measure for use with a client there are many considerations:

1. Time frame to be measured—if you are an acute care therapist and the client will only be in your facility for three days, the measure you select for mobility and balance may be much different than the one that would be used for the client in home health for 2–4 months. Select a measure that will reflect the client's status while in your setting, and if you are using the measure to assess progress be sure to choose a measure that will assess your client's progress over the time frame in which you will be treating the client. Alternately, if you are in a health system in which the scores of measures can be tracked across the continuum, you may consider selecting a measure to establish a baseline for progress at a subsequent level of care.

2. Does the tool measure the mobility construct which is a priority for this particular client? What are your client's goals? ...