[libribook.com] Traumatic Scar Tissue Management 1st Edition

Assessment and Evaluation
It is important that healthcare professionals use up-to-date information and tools
to guide clinical decision-making. Simple, valid and reliable assessment and
evaluation methods will help the therapist to proceed with confidence in
providing safe and effective care, tracking progress and then communicating
results to stakeholders (e.g. the client, other care providers, benefit providers)
(Gowan-Moody 2011).
Outcome measurement, the systematic collection and analysis of information, is
used to evaluate the efficacy of a treatment intervention (Clark & Gironda 2002,
Gowan-Moody 2011). An important idea in health sciences’ research on efficacy
is that the outcomes measured are client- or patient-centered; namely, pain,
function, quality of life and satisfaction with care (Philadelphia Panel 2001,
Gowan-Moody 2011).
Professional MTs must continually ask if their care is safely and effectively
aiding in the resolution or management of the client’s presenting concerns and
issues. As clinicians we need to have valid, reliable and responsive tools to
establish a baseline and monitor change as a result of our treatment. Using these
simple tools also aids in identifying appropriate dose-related variables, such as
the frequency, duration and number of treatments required to achieve clinically
significant outcomes (Ezzo 2007, Gowan-Moody 2011).
Outcome measures are also invaluable for the therapist wishing to write and
publish case reports and case series, and also for those wishing to engage in
clinical audit.
Assessment and evaluation procedures for traumatic scar tissue clients will
encompass the usual spectrum: palpation, local and global functional assessment
(including postural and movement evaluation); neurological and special tests;
and any measures to evaluate impact on activities of daily living. All assessment
and evaluation information is to be properly documented in the client’s file.
Standard assessment and evaluation procedures will not be included in this book;
however, certain key points with particular relevance to traumatic scars will be
provided.
Assessment and evaluation will vary depending upon the stage of healing and if