The use of measurement tools in clinical practice: an observational study of neurorehabilitation.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the way in which standardized measurement tools are used in day-to-day clinical practice.


METHODS
Non-participant observation and semi-structured interviews.


METHODS
Hospital-based adult neurorehabilition unit.


METHODS
The multidisciplinary team delivering rehabilitation in the unit.


RESULTS
The multidisciplinary team used the measurement tools internally to establish the presence and severity of patients' impairments and activity limitations; predict recovery and discharge destination; inform treatment planning and monitor progress. They were used externally to demonstrate service effectiveness; communicate with patients, families and external agencies; enable other providers to plan continuing care and resource needs, and inform audit and service development.


CONCLUSIONS
When used in everyday clinical practice by a multidisciplinary neurorehabilitation team, standardized measures were used to support and inform, rather than replace, clinical decision-making.
Tyson
Sarah
S
Centre for Rehabilitation and Human Performance Research and Physiotherapy Directorate, Frederick Road Campus, University of Salford, Salford, UK. s.tyson@salford.ac.uk
Greenhalgh
Joanne
J
Long
Andrew F
AF
Flynn
Robert
R
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D054869:Clinical Audit / Q000379:methods; D006757:Hospital Units; D006801:Humans; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D019370:Observation; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013222:State Medicine; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D006113:United Kingdom