Familiarity with, knowledge, and utilization of standardized outcome measures among physiotherapists in Nigeria

Abstract

Measurement tools that assess changes in patients' clinical status are called outcome measures and their integration into clinical practice promotes objective assessment and evidence-based practice. Healthcare providers' knowledge and familiarity with outcome measures are pertinent to their utilization. The purpose of this descriptive survey study was to determine the levels of familiarity, knowledge and utilization of 16 standardized outcome measures (SOM) among physiotherapists in Nigeria. A 3-part questionnaire was administered (N = 236). Part 1 elicited demographic information, Part 2 assessed familiarity and utilization and Part 3 assessed knowledge of the SOM. Results indicated that over 60% of the respondents had never used and were not familiar with 14 out of the 16 SOM, indicating low levels of utilization and familiarity among respondents. Respondents' knowledge about the SOM was low (3.1 ± 2.5), and correlated positively and significantly (p < 0.05) with their levels of familiarity with and utilization of the SOM. Working experience had a positive influence on knowledge about SOM, but influence of work setting on familiarity, utilization, and knowledge about SOM was inconclusive. This study suggests that physiotherapists in Nigeria have poor knowledge, seldom utilize, and are unfamiliar with SOM and that the use of SOM should be promoted among them.