Improving Evidence Based Practice in Pediatric Acute Care: Increasing Usage of Outcome Measures

The use of evidence-based, standardized outcome measures is necessary to ensure that practitioners of pediatric physical therapy are objectively measuring patients' function, determining effectiveness of intervention, and establishing an appropriate plan of care and recommendations, all while using a common language. Pediatric outcome measures are well-known and frequently used in outpatient physical therapy, but less commonly used in the acute care setting. While it is generally understood that outcome measures are best practice, evidence based on adult acute care settings shows that barriers to implementation include lack of knowledge of use or selection, concerns regarding time or acuity, and facility culture. The presenters will review the literature supporting the of using outcome measures, provide a review of evidence related to outcome measures appropriate for use in the pediatric acute care setting, and provide opportunity for attendees to practice appropriate selection and administration of each outcome measure. Finally, attendees will discuss opportunities and strategies for quality improvement and knowledge translation in their own practice settings. Attendees will leave this session empowered to implement outcome measures into their daily practice in the acute care setting to ensure effective and appropriate evaluation and treatment is being provided for each patient.