Aim:

The student will acquire thorough knowledge and understanding about requirements for measurement properties of assessment tools and evaluation methods that are used in functional assessment. The student will acquire experience in using quantitative and qualitative assessment methods, and reflect over the use of these methods when working as a physiotherapist in clinical work and in research.

Contents:

The course is based on the WHOs classifications system of functioning, ICF. Central issues regarding measurement theory are presented, and different assessment tools with discriminative, predictive and evaluative abilities are presented and problematized. The students will gain experience in systematic assessment, and observation of functionality. The course is focused on functional areas of relevance for physiotherapists.

Knowledge

After completing the course, the students should be able to

- explain basic concepts in assessment theory, such as assessment level, reliability, validity and responsiveness

- explain characteristics of discriminative, predictive and evaluative assessment tools

Skills

After completing the course, the students should be able to

- evaluate different tools used for assessment and evaluation of functioning, focusing on physical function, motor skills, pain and health related quality of life

- critically evaluate studies that concern examination of measurement properties, and use of measurement and evaluation tools in scientific studies and clinical work

- conduct a limited study of measurement property of an assessment tool with collection of data, transfer of data to a computer spreadsheet, and conduct simple statistical analyses

- conduct a limited observational study with systematic gathering and interpreting of data

General competence

After completing the course, the students should be able to

- communicate an understanding of strengths and weaknesses of qualitative and quantitative assessment tools, and how they can supplement each other in functional assessment

Lectures, seminars, statistical exercises, individual studies, presentation of assignment, data gathering, written assignment.

Three assemblies, 2-3 days each.

In total 40-45 hours, 1-2 weeks (7 days)

All assignments must be completed

Min. 80% attendance on lectures and seminars, and active participation in group work.

Portfolio assessment based on handed in assignments

Internal and external examiner

Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care

e-mail: studie@igs.uib.no

Course coordinator: Liv Inger Strand

http://www.uib.no/en/persons/Liv.Inger.Strand