Date Presented 04/21/2023
The Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AMPAC) is a valid outcome measure in acute care; however, University of Kansas Health System therapists report dissatisfaction with using the tool in practice. Understanding this topic will aid therapists and institutions in choosing effective outcome measures for patients.
Primary Author and Speaker: Kristen Rooker
BACKGROUND: The Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AMPAC) is a valid outcome measure used by physical, occupational, and speech therapists at The University of Kansas Health System (TUKHS). Although research supports use of the AMPAC, research suggests that therapists do not understand how to use the AMPAC, do not feel confident using the AMPAC, or do not think the AMPAC is a valid tool in their practice (Delwirst, et al., 2016; Hiser, et al., 2020; Jette, et al., 2015).
PURPOSE: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to learn how satisfied therapists at TUKHS are with using the AMPAC as the primary outcome measure.
DESIGN: Purposive sampling of physical, occupational, and physical therapists working at TUKHS was used for this cross-sectional study.
METHOD: Demographic data and survey responses were collected using a 12-question quantitative RedCAP survey. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze therapists’ survey responses and demographic information.
RESULTS: Sixty-one physical and occupational therapists responded to the survey. The sample was 83.6% women and 60.7% were physical therapists. No speech therapists completed the survey. A total of 92% of respondents reported they understood how to use the AMPAC and 69% reported they were adequately trained to use the AMPAC. However, only 41% of respondents agreed that the AMPAC supports discharge planning. 27.9% of respondents agreed that the AMPAC is a valid outcome measure for their practice, and 21.3% of respondents agreed that they were satisfied with using the AMPAC as the primary outcome measure.
CONCLUSION: Therapists at TUKHS were adequately trained and understand how to use the AMPAC but are dissatisfied and do not believe it is a valid outcome measure at TUKHS.
IMPACT STATEMENT: Using valid and reliable assessments is an essential step in evidence-based practice, however it is also important for therapists believe the assessments are appropriate for their patients.
References
AM-PAC (2022). AMPAC Administration. http://am-pac.com/
Dewhirst, R. C., Ellis, D. P., Mandara, E. A., & Jette, D. U. (2016). Therapists’ perceptions of application and implementation of AMPAC “6-clicks” functional measures in acute care: Qualitative study. Physical Therapy, 69(7), 1085-1092. https://doi.org/10.2522/ptj.20150009
Hiser, S., Toonstra, A., Friedman, L. A., Colantuoni, E., & Needman, D. M. (2020). Inter-rater reliability of activity measure for post-acute care ‘6-clicks’ inpatient mobility short form in the intensive care unit. Physiotherapy Research International, 25(4), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1002/pri.1849
Jette, D. U., Stilphen, M., Ranganathan, V. K., Passek, S., Frost, F. S., Jette, A. M. (2015). Interrater reliability of AMPAC “6-clicks” basic mobility and daily activity short forms. Physical Therapy, 95(5), 756-766. https://doi.org/10.2522/ptj.20140174
