Reporting outcome measures in veterinary physiotherapy with particular reference to the treatment of canine and equine joint cases in the UK

Brookes, William; Payne, Richard; Lea, Richard

Abstract

Background: Outcome measures are extensively used within human physiotherapy, but a widely accepted issue in veterinary physiotherapy is that outcome measures lack sufficient evaluation and standardisation in terms of how they are implemented. This cross‐sectional study aimed to provide clarity on (1) the current selection of outcome measures in canine and equine physiotherapy and (2) investigate external influences on outcome measure selection, including comparative literature availability, professional memberships and background. Methods: A structured scoping literature review consolidated current understanding and limitations. This informed a survey of qualified veterinary physiotherapists (n = 40). The statistical analysis comprised descriptive statistics. Results: Key observations included (1) a lack of difference in outcome measure application between veterinary physiotherapists with and without a human physiotherapy background, (2) enhanced outcome measure utilisation by registry body members and (3) an overall skew towards subjective, rather than objective, outcome measure use. Limitations: The study was limited by the absence of a defined veterinary physiotherapist population and subsequent convenience sample size. Conclusion: The apparent skew towards subjective outcome measures highlights objective outcome measure underutilisation and the need for a more extensive evidence base. In conclusion, there is a need to develop comprehensive professional development resources promoting the use of repeatable outcome measures such as goniometers and the Liverpool osteoarthritis scoring.

Citation

Brookes, W., Payne, R., & Lea, R. (2024). Reporting outcome measures in veterinary physiotherapy with particular reference to the treatment of canine and equine joint cases in the UK. Veterinary Record, 194(6), Article e3900. https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.3900

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 12, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Mar 12, 2024
• Publication Date: Mar 16, 2024
• Deposit Date: Apr 3, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 8, 2024
• Journal: Veterinary Record
• Print ISSN: 0042-4900
• Electronic ISSN: 2042-7670
• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 194
• Issue: 6
• Article Number: e3900
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.3900
• Keywords: veterinary physiotherapy, kinematic analysis, goniometry, pain score, LOAD score, outcome measures, canine, video tracking, equine
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/32736019