Evaluation system assesses rehabilitation

The program evaluation system has evolved into a valuable tool for improved management of patient programing and accountability, providing objective assessment of patient functions. Each program states primary objectives, measurements, and expectancies to determine how well it has met the objectives. The objectives deal with areas that reflect the patient's overall function, which ultimately determines what level of care the patient will need after discharge. The functional assessment scale (FAS), an ordinal rating scale of values ranging from total dependence to total independence, is used to measure the objectives within the parameters and to assess the severity of the disability, progress, and outcome. Concurrent evaluations enable physicians, therapists, and administrators to identify where problems occur in the individual's program and to change treatment accordingly. The FAS generates quarterly management reports that demonstrate achievement of the objectives, using the measurements and goal expectancy, and facilitate pattern analysis. The system easily integrates with the facility's current operations, including quality assurance.