CHS Physiotherapy Priority Tool Pilot and Evaluation

Page contents: Physiotherapy Reliability21 September, 2009y training materials | Process for Physiotherapy Priority Tool pilot and evaluation

Each of the CHS Priority Tools included in the Towards a Demand Management Framework will undergo a pilot and evaluation to determine:

• Reliability – to ensure that different staff can use the tools in the same way
• Validity – to ensure that the tools accurately identify priority clients
• Acceptability – by staff and consumers.

The pilot and evaluation of the Physiotherapy Priority Tool will be completed first, to test the method for conducting the evaluation. DHS are conducting this evaluation.

Physiotherapy Reliability Study results

Analysis of the data collected in the reliability study showed inconsistent responses in prioritising several of the written case studies. Feedback identified that the method of using written case studies for determining reliability was a contributing factor to the differences observed. As a result the methodology for evaluating the reliability of the Physiotherapy Priority Tool (and other discipline specific priority tools) has been changed. It will now involve actual clients, which will allow intake workers and physiotherapists using the Tool to gather additional information and confirm their interpretations of the information provided.

Further details regarding the revised method for evaluating the Priority Tools is located below.

Physiotherapy case study training materials

The feedback from participants in the reliability study reported that it was a useful process. As a result the written case study materials have been developed into a training guide that agencies can use to:

• help staff to learn about the Tool,
• to think about the factors to consider when prioritising,
• provide an opportunity for intake workers and physiotherapists to discuss the Priority Tool and how they interpret information and make decisions.

The Physiotherapy Case Study Training Materials are now available below.

Physiotherapy case study training guide (361kb, pdf)

Process for Physiotherapy Priority Tool pilot and evaluation

This evaluation has been conducted by DHS during the period February - April 2008, with much thanks to the physiotherapy and intake staff at Darebin Community Health and Moreland Community Health Services who were the participating agencies.

The outcome of the pilot will be made available once the broader evaluation of the other prioritisation tools is completed. This is an attempt at minimising any influencing factors on the other tools which may confound the results.

The methodology used in the Physiotherapy Pilot is the same as that which will be utilised in evaluating the other prioritisation tools. The Physiotherapy Pilot has informed that process.

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