The use of federal and state databases to conduct health services research related to physical and occupational therapy

Abstract

Objective: To describe the characteristics of a number of secondary databases that have the potential to answer questions related to the use of, access to, and effectiveness of physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT).

Data sources: Federal and state databases maintained by the National Center for Health Statistics, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Study selection: Databases, described above, that were identified as having potential for answering questions related to the use and effectiveness of PT and OT were examined.

Data extraction: The databases were explored to determine if PT and OT had sufficient representation, and if so, to identify potential questions that could be answered by examining the databases in more detail. Some of the advantages, disadvantages, and methodologic issues of using the databases were identified.

Data synthesis: Several databases are available that can be used by researchers to increase our understanding of the use of, access to, and/or effectiveness of PT and OT. Many of the databases are most suited for examining issues related to the use of and access to these services. A few of the databases can be used to examine the effectiveness of PT and OT.

Conclusion: Secondary data analyses are a particularly useful, cost-effective, and efficient means for preliminary exploration of topics that are not well understood, such as the use of, access to, and effectiveness of PT and OT.