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.