Physical therapists collect different outcome measures after total joint arthroplasty as compared to most orthopaedic surgeons: a New England study

BACKGROUND: Following total knee and hip arthroplasty, patient progress can be assessed with patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and performance-based outcome measures (PBOMs). The American Joint Replacement Registry 2016 guide recommends collecting several measures, including Patient Reported Outcome Measure Information System Global, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Jr, and Hip Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Jr. This study aimed to assess the current and anticipated use of PROMs and PBOMs by New England physical therapists. METHODS: An online survey was conducted in July and August of 2015 asking physical therapists in New England to rate their current and anticipated future use of PROMs and PBOMs in terms of clinical decision making associated with the treatment and care of patients after total hip and knee replacement. RESULTS: There were 122 responses. The most often used and recommended PROMS were the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (99.2% and 97.5%, respectively) and Lower Extremity Function Scale (76.2% and 77.0%). There was significant variability in the use of different PBOMs, but the most often used and recommended were the Timed Up and Go (93.4% and 85.2%) and the Single Leg Balance Test (90.2% and 87.7%). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that orthopaedic surgeons and physical therapists use different PROMs and PBOMs for postoperative assessment of total joint patients and highlights the need for more collaboration and consistency between these disciplines.