Design of an instrument to measure the quality of care in Physical Therapy.

Objective: To design an instrument composed of domains that would demonstrate physical therapy activities and generate a consistent index to represent the quality of care in physical therapy.

Methods: The methodology Lean Six Sigma was used to design the tool. The discussion involved seven different management groups staff.

Self-reported outcomes of patients undergoing total hip replacement surgery assessed by the WOMAC questionnaire.

Objective: To assess pain, stiffness and physical function outcomes among patients undergoing total hip replacement using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index.

Methods: From January 2009 to July 2010, 64 male and female patients were assessed using the WOMAC questionnaire at baseline, hospital discharge, 3-month follow-up, and 6-month follow-up; one group of patients with primary hip osteoarthritis (n = 42) and another group with hip fracture (n = 22).

Results: Changes in the total scores of the osteoarthritis group were statistically significant comparing baseline, hospital discharge, 3-month and 6-month assessments, demonstrating continued improvement over time up to 6-month follow-up.