A Method of Patient Progress Assessment for use in the Clinical Setting
Tom Preston D.C.
Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~ Volume 3 ~ Number 1 ~ Pages 1-8
Abstract
A method of retrospectively assessing patient progress is presented. While its application was intended for the private practice setting, it has been designed to allow its use in a broader spectrum of health related areas.The Patient Progress Assessment (PPA), is directed toward obtaining the patient’s self assessment of their progress in specific categories since beginning care. The survey was clustered into questions dealing with some patient demographics, presenting complaint(s), several categories for expressing potential improvement, and other questions which queried patient participation in their care.The categories of potential areas of improvement were consolidated into Mental/Emotional, Physical, and Visceral indices to remain harmonious with the World Health Organization’s definition of health. Chronbach’s alpha revealed high levels of internal consistency reliability (all above 0.80) for each of the indices. Assessment findings revealed that the practice reflects a male/female ratio, and age distribution similar to other health disciplines. The patient population was comprised predominantly (84%) of those with back, head, neck, shoulder, and joint pain, with a higher proportion of females than males expressing these problems. A smaller group, 11%, presented for the purpose of improved health, with no presenting complaints. At the time of the assessment, regardless of the time under care, or age, both males and females reported a 70% improvement of their presenting problems. However, females consistently reported a higher percentage of perceived improvement than males in 26 of the 34 categories comprising the three indices. The limitations of retrospective recall, and the necessity to conduct longitudinal assessments is discussed. As well, the necessity to evaluation the possible difference in male/female qualitative perception of improvement is discussed.
