Knowledge Broker Facilitated Intervention to Increase Use of Outcome Measures by Physical Therapists

Knowledge brokers can facilitate knowledge translation (KT) interventions to improve the use of outcome measures by physical therapists. Following the Knowledge-to-Action cycle, a knowledge broker (a researcher who facilitates the translation of knowledge in the local context) will: (1) complete a barrier assessment, (2) develop and implement a tailored multi-modal intervention and (3) determine the outcome. The KB will determine the barriers and facilitators to using outcome measures by PTs who work in inpatient rehabilitation and design a locally tailored KT intervention with input from the key stakeholders (PTs). This cluster randomized trial will compare two active interventions with full or partial supported implementation by a knowledge broker using a cluster randomized trial (randomization will occur by site) to determine the impact on the PTs and patients.

Aim 1: Determine if the KT intervention designed and implemented by a KB will increase PTs the use of a selected standardized assessment as compared to an intervention that is designed but not implemented by the KB.

Hypothesis1a: Physical therapists use (documented and self-reported) of a selected standardized assessment will improve to a significantly greater extent immediately following the intervention designed and implemented by a KB compared to the partially supported group.

Hypothesis1b: Physical therapists in the fully supported group will retain the use of the standardized assessment to a significantly greater extent at 6 month follow-up.

Aim 2: Explore and compare both groups of physical therapists satisfaction and concerns with each KT intervention on standardized assessment use.

Hypothesis 2: The physical therapists in the fully supported group will express greater satisfaction with the KT intervention and identify fewer barriers for implementing the standardized assessment in practice as compared to the partially supported group immediately after and retained at 6 month follow-up.

Aim 3: Explore and compare the patients' experience who were seen by therapists in the fully and partially supported group Hypothesis 3: Patients who were treated by clinicians in the fully supported group will demonstrate an understanding of the patient standardized assessment, why it's relevant to complete the test, and how the information gathered from the standardized assessment can be used to guide the plan of care.