Evaluating Outcome Measures in Veterinary Physiotherapy with Particular Reference to the Treatment of Canine and Equine Joint Cases

Brookes, William (2023) Evaluating Outcome Measures in Veterinary Physiotherapy with Particular Reference to the Treatment of Canine and Equine Joint Cases. MRes thesis, University of Nottingham.

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Abstract

Background: Veterinary physiotherapists provide postoperative care, rehabilitation, sports maintenance, and aged maintenance for their patients. Outcome measures are extensively used within human medicine, including physiotherapy, but a widely accepted issue in veterinary physiotherapy practice is that outcome measures lack sufficient evaluation with regard to intra- and inter-clinician comparisons. This project aimed to determine the quality of outcome measures being used in canine and equine physiotherapy practice and any disparities external factors cause.

Methods: A structured scoping literature review consolidated current understanding and limitations. This was combined with a survey of qualified veterinary physiotherapists (n=40). Statistical analysis comprised descriptive statistics and Chi Squared analyses.

Results: Key observations generated include (1) a lack of differences in application of outcome measures between veterinary physiotherapists with and without a human physiotherapy background, (2) enhanced utilisation of outcome measures by members of a registration body and (3) an overall skew towards subjective, rather than objective, outcome measure use.

Limitations: Sample size and time for a secondary survey further exploring limitations.

Conclusion: Recommendations on enhancing outcome measures in clinical practice include several technical measures, e.g. goniometers and pain scoring, and profession-wide initiatives, including the introduction of comprehensive CPD resources and reviews of regulatory and education bodies.

Item Type: Thesis (University of Nottingham only) (MRes)
Supervisors: Payne, Richard
Lea, Richard
Keywords: veterinary physiotherapy, outcome measures, canine physiotherapy, equine physiotherapy
Subjects: S Agriculture > SF Animal culture
Faculties/Schools: UK Campuses > Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > School of Veterinary Medicine and Science
Item ID: 71923
Depositing User: Brookes, William
Date Deposited: 31 Jul 2023 04:40
Last Modified: 31 Jul 2023 04:40
URI: https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/71923

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