Document Type
Peer-Reviewed Article
Publication Date
2026
Abstract
Introduction
Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) facilitate evidence-based decision-making and standardising care, yet their dissemination and scholarly uptake vary widely. The Core Set of Outcome Measures for Adults With Neurologic Conditions Undergoing Rehabilitation CPG (Core Set) has been broadly referenced within neurologic physical therapy. As the next revision approaches, understanding its scholarly influence, citation patterns, and published feedback is essential. This study evaluated the dissemination and use of the Core Set across the peer-reviewed literature and identified areas for refinement.
Methods
A medical librarian conducted comprehensive searches of Web of Science, CINAHL, and Scopus to identify peer-reviewed English-language articles citing the Core Set between July 1, 2018, and July 31, 2024. Reviewer pairs screened articles and extracted publication characteristics, citation context using an adapted Rabin et al. and Field et al. framework, and narrative feedback. Quantitative data were summarised descriptively. Constructive and positive feedback were thematically coded. Altmetric Attention Score, PlumX captures, and Mendeley readership data characterised broader dissemination and engagement.
Results
Of 388 records, 176 articles met inclusion criteria. Most articles cited the Core Set once (n = 106), most frequently in the introduction (n = 70) or methods (n = 65). Thirty-two percent (n = 57) reported that the Core Set informed study design, guided outcome measure selection, or was implemented in practice. Studies represented 30 countries, with the United States contributing the largest proportion (n = 104). Constructive feedback (14 articles) highlighted needs related to standardisation procedures, diagnosis-specific applicability, construct coverage, and feasibility. Positive feedback (9 articles) emphasised methodological clarity, usability, and clinical value. Dissemination indicators demonstrated broad engagement, including an Altmetric Attention Score of 60, 261 scholarly citations, 643 PlumX captures, and 604 Mendeley readers.
Discussion
Findings support maintaining the Core Set's methodological rigour while providing some suggestions for improvement.
Summary
This study assessed scholarly dissemination, citation patterns, citation context, and published feedback related to the 2018 CPG to inform the upcoming CPG revision.
Of 388 records, 176 articles met inclusion criteria. In 57 articles, the 2018 CPG informed or was integrated into the study, or its recommended outcome measures were implemented in practice. Studies were conducted in 30 countries, as well as one international multi-site study spanning 18 countries.
Constructive feedback addressed standardisation procedures, diagnosis-specific limitations, construct-related concerns, and feasibility and use of the recommendations. Positive feedback emphasised the value of the measures and recommendations provided in the 2018 CPG for research and practice.
Dissemination indicators demonstrated broad engagement, including an Altmetric Attention Score of 60, 261 scholarly citations, 643 PlumX captures, and 604 Mendeley readers. These metrics do not indicate whether the document was read, considered useful, adopted, or implemented in practice.
DOI
10.1002/gin2.70086
Recommended Citation
Moore, J. L., Sullivan, J. E., Bland, M., Romney, W., Anderl, E., Erkoc, Z. G., & Potter, K. (2026). Planning a clinical practice guideline revision for a core set of outcome measures in adults undergoing neurologic physical therapy, Part 1: Assessing dissemination and scholarly uptake. Clinical and Public Health Guidelines, 3(4), e70086.
Publication
Clinical and Public Health Guidelines
Volume
3
Issue
4
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Comments
This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License
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