objective measures - What does it mean

Generally speaking, when we say 'objective measures,' what does that mean?

Answer: 

Objective measures consist of standardized patient assessment instruments, outcome measurements tools or measurable assessments of functional outcome. Use of objective measures at the beginning of treatment, during and/or after treatment is recommended to quantify progress and support justifications for continued treatment.

Reminder: Some forms, including the Oswestry, may not contain answers/responses that are objective (actual measures/values). The Chiropractor or patient may need to add additional information. For example, the form may use the term 'severe' for the evaluation of pain. 'Severe' is not an objective measure. The pain would need an specific value.

Examples of objective measures to evaluate goals include:

Pain
Baseline: 9 on a scale of 1-10
Goal: Decrease pain to 1
Standing:
Baseline: Only able to stand for 20 minutes
Goal: Able to stand for more than 1 hour
Range of Motion (ROM):
Baseline: Lumbar spine flexion of 53 degrees and extension 11 degrees
Goal: Increase lumbar flexion to 80 and extension to 25



Generally speaking, when we say a 'treatment plan with specific goals', what does that mean?

Answer:

Upon determination of a subluxation, the physician is required to develop an individualized treatment plan that includes the following:

Recommended level of care (duration and frequency of visits)
Specific treatment goals
Objective measures to evaluate treatment effectiveness
Objective measures consist of standardized patient assessment instruments, outcome measurements tools or measurable assessments of functional outcome. Use of objective measures at the beginning of treatment, during and/or after treatment is recommended to quantify progress and support justifications for continued treatment.

Some providers use forms (Oswestry, etc.) to measure treatment effectiveness. If this is the case, then a patient would need to complete the form on every visit.

Reminder: Some forms, including the Oswestry, may not contain answers/responses that are objective (actual measures/values). The Chiropractor or patient may need to add additional information. For example, the form may use the term 'severe' for the evaluation of pain. 'Severe' is not an objective measure. The pain would need a specific value.

Examples of objective measures to evaluate goals include:

Pain
Baseline: 9 on a scale of 1-10
Goal: Decrease pain to 1
Standing:
Baseline: Only able to stand for 20 minutes
Goal: Able to stand for more than 1 hour
Range of Motion (ROM):
Baseline: Lumbar spine flexion of 53 degrees and extension 11 degrees
Goal: Increase lumbar flexion to 80 and extension to 25