Hand therapist use of patient report outcome (PRO) in practice: A survey study

PURPOSE: The purpose of this survey was to gain greater insight into hand therapists' use of Patient Report Outcome (PRO) measures. METHODS: An 11-question survey that evaluated therapists' perceptions, preferences, and patterns of use of patient report outcome measures was sent to members of ASHT. RESULTS: A total of 633 ASHT members participated in the survey study. A large majority of participants (92%) responded affirmatively to using a PRO measure in practice. The DASH was reported as the most frequently used measure (90%). The majority of therapists (84%) discuss the results of the outcome measurement score with their patients. Of the participants who use more than one outcome measure, 44% report that this allows them to better establish their patient's functional and physical limitations. CONCLUSION: The findings in this study suggest that a large percentage of hand therapists are currently including a PRO measure in their hand therapy practice.