title: Design and implementation of a patient classification system for rehabilitation nursing.
abstract: Development of a prototype patient classification (PCS) instrument designed specifically for rehabilitation patients is the focus of this article. The process of instrument development is discussed, as well as strategies used in implementing the PCS. These strategies include: staff education, management support, data collection, data analysis--including the development of supporting information systems, and ongoing use of the rehabilitation PCS. Changes engendered by implementation of the PCS also are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, USA.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Sarnecki
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Haas
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Stevens
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Willemsen
mesh_terms: D002641:Chicago; D006801:Humans; D016294:Models, Nursing; D009718:Nurse Administrators / Q000458:organization & administration; D009728:Nursing Assistants / Q000458:organization & administration; D010361:Patients / Q000145:classification*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016730:Program Development; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers; D019145:Rehabilitation Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012720:Severity of Illness Index