Measuring outcomes is essential to show the efficacy of interventions. Below are resources to assist you in understanding and using measurement tools.
Outcome Measurement Teaching Modules/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. All four modules can be accessed here.
Resources and Sites for Measurement Tools
APTA Neurology Section EDGE Recommendations
Australian Centre of Quality of Life
Center for Outcome Measurement in Brain Injury
Compendium of Clinical Measures for Community Rehabilitation
Dementia Outcomes Measurement Suite (DOMS)
National Institutes of Health Toolbox for the Assessment of Neurological and Behavioral Functioning
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) Screeners
PROMIS: Dynamic Tools to Measure Health Outcomes from the Patient Perspective
University of Pennsylvania: Questionnaire Center (Positive Psychology Measures)
World Health Organization Research/Measurement Tools
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 Alpha draft integrates ICF codes. The earliest implementation of this is January 2022. Click Here to Learn More and Access ICF Codes