Measuring Outcomes

Measuring outcomes is essential to show the efficacy of interventions. Below are resources to assist you in understanding and using measurement tools.

Free Measurement Webinars

As part of the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center grant on Improving Measurement of Medical Rehabilitation Outcomes (NIDRR grant H133B090024), a set of Outcome Measurement Teaching Modules has been developed by researchers and clinicians from the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Washington University, and the University of Illinois at Chicago. The educational modules include Power Point presentations with speakers notes, videos, and worksheets. You can access the modules here.

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, & Health (ICF)

The ICF is a biospsychosocial model and classification system developed by the World Health Organization. The American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) endorses the use of ICF in Recreational Therapy practice. The model and classification system can be used in Recreational Therapy practice to 1) provide a scientific basis for consequences of health conditions, 2) to establish a common language to improve communications, 3) to permit comparison of data across countries, health care disciplines, services, and time, and 4) to provide a systematic coding scheme for health information systems. The ICF includes over 1,500 codes – many of which relate to Recreational Therapy practice (e.g., Body Function codes such as attention, pain, and control of voluntary movement; Activity & Participation codes such as using transportation, taking care of plants, play, recreation, community life, and interpersonal interactions and relationships; and, Environmental Factor codes such as assets, immediate family, attitudes, and policies). The ICD-11 integrates ICF codes. Click here to learn more about the ICF model and codes in recreational therapy practice.