You've heard about outcome measures, so how do you use them? Integrating clinically relevant outcome measures in orthotic management of stroke

In today's healthcare environment it is increasingly important to be able to quantify the amount of change associated with a given intervention; this can be accomplished using one or more appropriate outcome measures. However, the selection and integration of outcome measures within clinical practice requires careful consideration. This includes identification of the measure construct which can be assisted by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health; selection of outcome measures based on need, appropriateness and feasibility; and careful use in regular clinical practice including data collection, analysis and re-assessment of the process. We describe this process, focusing on orthotic management of stroke, in particular the improvement of mobility as a common goal.