Primary care occupational therapist’s methods of outcome evaluation: Do they align to value-based healthcare?

TL;DR

This study examines how occupational therapists in primary care evaluate outcomes and whether these methods align with value-based healthcare goals.

Contribution

The study identifies inconsistencies in evaluation methods used by occupational therapists and their alignment with value-based healthcare.

Findings

Occupational therapists use a multifaceted but inconsistent approach to evaluation.

Validated patient-rated scales are commonly used to evaluate patient experience.

Cost-effectiveness is least considered in evaluation methods.

Abstract

Occupational therapy roles are increasing across General Practice in primary care. The evidence base is growing; however, the best way to evaluate outcomes and the impact of practice in this setting remains unclear. Consideration for how methods used align to ambitions of value-based healthcare is also required. This study explored evaluation methods used by occupational therapists, providing services to General Practice in Wales within the context of value-based healthcare.

An online focus group was conducted with 13 members of a Welsh Primary Care Occupational Therapy network. Mixed methods were used and Mentimeter results and findings from group discussion were analysed through content and framework analysis.

A multifaceted but inconsistent approach to evaluation was reported. Methods used, strengthened by professional core values, broadly aligned practice to shared ambitions of value-based healthcare. The use of validated patient rated scales were most commonly used to evaluate patient experience, whilst cost-effectiveness was least well considered.

Further research is required to understand occupational therapy evaluation in this setting to identify what is needed by stakeholders to determine impact and establish value. This could inform care at both an individual level and across populations if consistent data are collected at scale.

Figures