Chapter 3 - Measurement

Abstract

A wide variety of outcome measures are available to guide clinical decision-making for pediatric physical therapists. Accurate and reliable data collection regarding an individual child and family is essential for optimal decisions about eligibility for services, intervention strategies, meaningful and appropriate goals, and intensity and duration of services. This data should be shared with children and families in a way that encourages and supports collaborative decision-making. The purpose of this chapter is to encourage the effective use of tests and measures in clinical practice. Information will be provided on measurement principles and psychometrics as critical components of the selection, administration, interpretation, and sharing results of tests and measures. A variety of single and multiitem tests and measures will be presented to aid in identification of body structures and function impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions in children. Special emphasis will be placed on use of technology to enhance the feasibility of tests and measures within the daily work routine and on collaborative decision-making with the families and children that we serve.