Introduction

In research and in clinical practise, it is important to use relevant and reliable outcome measures. Diverse outcome measures have been used in studies evaluating effects of physiotherapy interventions for infants with acute respiratory infections. It is unknown what measures physiotherapists use clinically.

By examining clinical praxis in Sweden, we wanted to increase knowledge and contribute to the ongoing scientific discussion about evaluating interventions for this large patient group.

The aim of this study was to identify outcome measures that physiotherapists use to evaluate the immediate effects of their interventions for infants with bronchiolitis.

Methods

A digital survey was distributed to physiotherapists in Sweden working with infants aged 0-24 months in hospital with acute respiratory infections. They were asked how they evaluate immediate effects of their treatment for these patients.

Results

Replies returned from 88 informants, 52 of whom worked with the target group. A wide variety of outcome measures were used, both subjective and more objective measures. The 5 most selected answer options were: effects on cough (73%), increased oxygen saturation (35%), changed secretion sounds (33%), reduced work of breathing (20%), and parental report (16%). One of these methods can defined as objective (oxygen saturation).

Conclusions

The physiotherapists reported to use diverse outcome measures for evaluation of their interventions. To a large degree, however, they used subjective measures, which depend on the individual clinician?s interpretation. This study identifies a need for debate and guidelines on valid, reliable, and clinically relevant outcome measures for this patient group.