The Use of Standardized Evaluation Forms in Physical Therapy

Abstract

The need for a consistent and efficient method of patient evaluation is not a new one. Standardized evaluation forms that include body charts can be useful in recording subjective and objective data in a systematic way. At the Physical Therapy Unit- Student Health Center, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, we have designed and put into use this type of evaluation form. We feel these evaluation forms allow us to perform consistent and efficient patient evaluations in a short amount of time, especially for acute musculoskeletal injuries. A method of controlling consistency is very important because of physical therapy and athletic training students and interns that rotate through the Physical Therapy Unit. Because of the large volume of patients we see, there is a need for reducing the amount of time needed in longhanding subjective, objective, assessment, and planning (S.O.A.P.) notes. The standardized evaluation forms are an efficient alternative to the longhand S.O.A.P. note.J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1984;5(6):348-372.