Reliability and Validity: Evaluating Tests and Measures For Your Practice

Course overview

Use of evidence-informed practice is essential to ensure optimal physical therapist practice. In order to assess the relevance of research literature, clinicians should have a thorough understanding of how to interpret statistics related to tests and measures. Clinicians are expected to understand and apply evidence to patient care. This requires the ability to interpret and evaluate results from research articles and apply this information to clinical practice. Appraisal of elements of reliability, validity, and diagnostic accuracy allow the clinician to select and administer the most effective and efficient examination techniques. Additionally, the clinician must be able to recognize values related to measurement error and clinically meaningful change to monitor progress and treatment effectiveness.