Piloting a Points-Based Caseload Measure for Community Based Paediatric Occupational and Physiotherapists

Abstract

Background. Caseload guidelines and workload management are important issues in recruitment and retention of paediatric rehabilitation therapists.Purpose. This study developed and piloted a points-based caseload questionnaire for paediatric occupational and physiotherapists.Methods. Therapists completed the pilot caseload measure and participated in teleconference focus groups to share their experiences and opinions. Analysis was through descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis.Findings. The data suggested links between caseload point size and various factors such as years of experience, manageability, and client maturity. Focus group feedback supported the use of points rather than numbers as a caseload measure. Participants suggested various uses for the measure and changes to improve ease and consistency in completion.Implications. This caseload measure holds promise, following ongoing research, as a method to standardize caseloads across paediatric settings. As is, it can be used within agencies or by individual therapists seeking a tool of self-reflection and of workload measure.