About the AusTOMs for Physiotherapy
Meg Morris, Karen Dodd, Nicholas Taylor

There are 9 AusTOMs scales for Physiotherapy:

1. Balance and Postural Control (example- click for PDF file)
2. Cardiovascular system related functions
3. Musculoskeletal movement related functions
4. Neurological movement related functions
5. Pain
6. Respiratory system functions
7. Sensory functions
8. Skin functions
9. Urinary & bowel continence

The AusTOMs for Physiotherapy scale headings are all based on the WHO ICF body functions and structures. Whereas the UK TOM physiotherapy card headings included a mixture of diagnoses, impairments, systems of care and global terms, Australian physiotherapists considered it important to have one underlying concept on which all the AusTOM card headings would be based. Because a substantial proportion of physiotherapy interventions are directed towards impairments of body function, choosing this for the card headings appeared to have strong face validity.

Each of the AusTOMs for Physiotherapy scales has four domains:

Impairment: Impairments are significant deviations or loss of body structure (anatomical) or function (physiological or psychological).

Activity Limitation: Activity Limitation results from the difficulty in the performance of an activity. An activity is the execution of a task by an individual.

Participation Restriction: Participation restrictions are difficulties the individual may have in the manner or extent of involvement in their life situation.

Wellbeing: The level of concern experienced by the individual. Concern may be evidenced by anger, frustration, apathy, depression etc.

The AusTOMs for Physiotherapy Scales were developed by Australian physiotherapy clinicians through focus groups, a mail out survey, and ongoing feedback during training and pilot data collection. Consumer groups also had input into the development of all of the AusTOMs scales, particularly the Participation Restriction and Wellbeing domains.

For ordering information, click here.

About the AusTOMs for Speech Pathology
About the AusTOMs for Occupational Therapy

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Funding for the AusTOMs study was provided by the
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing