Outcome Measures for Treatment Providers
(physiotherapists, chiropractors, osteopaths)
Progress achieved due to intervention is a critical factor the Insurer considers when determining whether further treatment is reasonable to fund. The use of outcome measures assists in objectively assessing whether a person is making measurable and durable progress. Outcome measure/s chosen should be valid, reliable, sensitive and relevant to your client’s goals.
Further information on outcome measures and treatment justification can be found on the Clinical Justification and Outcome Measures page of the Australian Physiotherapy Assocation Website.
The following are examples of outcome measures that you may consider using:
The Neck Disability Index (NDI)
The Neck Disability Index (NDI) is designed to give information as to how neck pain has affected a person’s ability to manage everyday life. The result can be expressed as a percentage or as a raw score (out of 50).
NDI developed by: Vernon, H & Mior, S. (1991). The Neck Disability Index: A study of reliability and validity. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 1991; 14: 409-415.
To access the NDI please click here (PDF 30 K)
The Patient Specific Functional Scale
The Patient Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) asks the patient to specify three important activities they are unable to do or have difficulty with as a result of their condition. They are required to rate their ability to perform each activity on a scale of 0-10.
Startford P., Gill, C., Westaway, M.,& Binkley, J. (1995). Assessing disability and change on individual patients: a report of a specific measure. Physiotherapy Canada, 47, 258-263.
To access the PSFS please click here (PDF 510 K)
Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (ODQ)
The Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (ODQ) has been designed to assess pain-related disability in persons with low back pain.
To access the ODQ visit:
Last reviewed 13 July 2009
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