Impact of electrodiagnostic (EMG/NCS) tests on clinical decision-making and patient perceived benefit in the outpatient physical therapy practice.

BACKGROUND

Utilizing Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Study (EMG/NCS) tests, when indicated, may have implications for efficient patient management and assist in more efficient referral to appropriate providers or specialists.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impact of Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Studies (EMG/NCS) on clinical decision-making and patient perspectives within PT practice settings.

METHODS

462 patients, who were candidates for diagnostic testing (EMG/NCS) were included in this outcome study and questionnaire-based survey design. Pre-test diagnosis was compared to post-test diagnosis. Post-test, patients were asked to rate their perceived benefit of the testing.

RESULTS

Management was changed in 60.61% of patients post EMG/NCS testing (p < 0.0001). The diagnosis was changed post-EMG/NCS test in 39% of the patients with a change in management, which is greater than expected (p < 0.0004). There was no effect of gender or age (p > 0.05) on change in treatment (tx) or diagnosis (dx). 89.8% of patients agreed, or strongly agreed, that they were better able to understand their condition; 92.4% strongly agreed, or agreed, that they were reassured about their condition; 89.1% strongly agreed, or agreed, that they were better able to manage their condition and 92% reported very high, or high, value perceived from the EMG/NCS test administered.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that EMG/NCS testing appears to have a significant impact on clinical decision-making, and higher scores on the patient perceived benefit.