Outcome measures are tools used to assess baseline levels of impairment (ie, pain) or functioning (ie,  disability or distress due to a neck condition), and to assess change in patient characteristics over time. Outcome is related to the goals of treatment, and the selection, continuation, or cessation of treatment components.

‘Outcome’ has been defined as a change in a patient characteristic as a consequence of an intervention.  

The regular use of standardised outcome measures enables the health practitioner to evaluate the patient’s level of pain, disability and (physical or psychological) functioning at baseline, and assess change in those characteristics over time.

Decisions to continue treatment should be clinically justified with the ongoing and regular use of standardised outcome measures. Treatment should only be continued where there is ongoing evidence of benefit.

Ongoing treatment should occur in addition to active exercise, and the practitioner should continue to promote self-management, independence, and integration of the patient’s functional goals into physical and recreational activities in everyday life. This approach constitutes best practice.

For further information regarding clinical justification, visit the Victorian Transport AccidentCommission.

The following tools may be utilised by the treating practitioner:

• Core Whiplash Outcome Measure
• Impact of Event Scale
• Kessler K1 Scale
• Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)
• Coping Strategies Questionnaire
• Functional Rating Index
• Patient Specific Functional Scale
• Self-Efficacy Scale
• Advice to patients (clinician's example)