This study identifies differences in pediatric outcome measures taught in education and used in clinical practice, suggesting improvements for future training.
Purpose: The aims of this study are to: (1) identify standardized pediatric outcome measures (OMs) currently taught in professional physical therapist (PT) education; (2) identify standardized pediatric OMs currently used in PT practice; and (3) compare similarities and differences in standardized pediatric OMs taught in professional PT education and those used in PT clinical practice. Methods: This study used an explanatory, sequential mixed methods design with quantitative data from a descriptive, cross-sectional electronic survey to inform 4 qualitative focus group interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using a 2-proportion Z-test and descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analyzed using direct content analysis. Results: Quantitative and qualitative data were integrated, revealing significant differences between standardized pediatric OMs taught in entry-level PT programs and those used in professional practice. Conclusions: Improved alignment of standardized pediatric OMs used by both faculty and clinicians could better equip learners for clinical practice.
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Flores et al. (2025) studied this question.
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