Evidence In Motion (EIM), provider of physical therapy, education, and practice consultation, has formed an alliance with Focus On Therapeutic Outcomes (FOTO). FOTO provides an outcomes data collection service with risk-adjusted national comparisons of treatment effectiveness and efficiency and patient satisfaction. As part of this pairing, FOTO has adapted its system to be used in EIM’s student education programs.

EIM’s Orthopedic Residency and Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship training programs include Web-based educational “distance learning” platforms, complemented by on-site weekend courses conducted at Network Partner locations. EIM focuses on evidence-based practice, which is why its relationship with FOTO is so beneficial.

FOTO is a medical rehabilitation company that provides patient evaluation tools and aggregate data management services. FOTO is dedicated to standardizing industry communication about the effectiveness of patient care. Its database is the largest and most valid external directory for rehabilitation that measures functional outcomes for orthopedic, neurological, work hardening/work conditioning, pain management, cardiovascular and pulmonary, and pelvic floor dysfunction patients.

"Valid measurement of patient reported outcomes becomes more meaningful to all stakeholders when correlated with evidence based research on clinical classification, techniques, and measurements. We at FOTO appreciate the opportunities inherent in this partnership," says Ben Johnston, Jr, PT, FOTO’s CEO and general manager.

According to Dr Rob Wainner, one of EIM’s founding partners and director of the EIM Othropedic Residency Program, monitoring patient outcomes is no longer just a good idea, it is essential.

"FOTO has been a recognized leader in this field for many years; their system is the oldest independent system measuring outpatient outcomes," Wainner says. "Their online entry system makes it feasible for anybody with an Internet connection to collect patient oriented outcome data. We feel strongly that monitoring care provided by our residents and fellows is as important as monitoring their educational progress. FOTO has given us the ability to make monitoring outcomes for EIM residents and fellows a reality."