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. Design: Non-participant observation and semi-structured interviews. Setting: Hospital-based adult neurorehabilition unit. Participants: 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. Conclusion: 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.