Database help

Get help here on making best use of the outcome measures database.

The database search facility works by entering a search term of your choosing and then selecting to search by:

• title of the measure or
• measure descriptors

If matches have been found, the database will display a list of names of outcome measures, alphabetically sorted by title, with a summary (if available). Using this list, use the title links for more information on a given measure. The database will then display the full record for that measure. Each full record comprises a number of subheadings (where available) as detailed below.

Subheadings

Title
What is the name of the measure? If the measure is also known by an abbreviation, an acronym, or another name in a different country to the United Kingdom, then this is given.

Summary
A 50-word précis, giving a flavour of the measure; topic, number/style of questions and domains, and useful scoring hints

Time
In minutes, roughly how long to administer the measure

Training required
Is formal training required to administer the measure? Some measures are developed with the implicit assumption they will be administered and analysed by a specific professional; if this is so, this is stated. Some measures can be completed by anyone, some require a level of knowledge; this level is not assumed - healthcare professionals will need to decide if they, or anyone else, has the skills to complete the measure in a reliable manner. For all staff-completed measures, and many patient-completed measures, some training will be required at a local level to ensure reliability (inter-rater, intra-rater) in administration of the measure.

Equipment required?
Is any equipment necessary with this measure?

Cost
Is there a financial cost to obtaining the measure? This excludes the cost for obtaining articles, purchase of any equipment required, and subsequent administration

Website
Any online information/resource for the measure

Distribution
This explains how and from where the measure can be obtained.

Patient population
Giving examples of populations of patient the measure could be used with. These populations are approximations. As research is continually being published more evidence for the use of measures with other populations may well be produced. Individuals should decide for themselves if the measure is appropriate, and valid, for their needs

Locale
This gives suggestions for where the measure might be used. The options are inpatient, outpatient, community and rehabilitation. Individuals should decide for themselves if the measure is appropriate for their needs

References

• Original: the first published reference to the measure
• Development: published information explaining the process undertaken in developing the measure
• Reliability: this provides guidance to articles providing primary research information into the reliability of the measure. The papers have not been read, nor critically appraised, hence the results may prove or refute reliability
• Responsiveness: this provides guidance to articles providing primary research information into the responsiveness of the measure. The papers have not been read, nor critically appraised, hence the results may prove or refute responsiveness
• Validity : this provides guidance to articles providing primary research information into the validity of the measure. The papers have not been read, nor critically appraised, hence the results may prove or refute validity
• Miscellaneous: this provides guidance to any articles that have included the measure

Descriptors
One or more terms that can be used for searching the database. An informal thesaurus using frequently used terms in the United Kingdom for describing physiotherapy-related concepts: see below for suggestions .

Disclaimer
Every effort has been made to confirm the accuracy of the information presented on the database. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy of the information nor the outcome of the application of the information. The CSP would welcome information which corrects any inaccuracies found, and will attempt to respond to this information as soon as possible.

List of descriptors
Some examples of key descriptors are given in the list below; please note that this is not an exhaustive list.