Programme evaluation: What we can learn from the United States experience

The introduction of performance outcome measurement to Australian rehabilitation services is now on the agenda. The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) is being actively promoted as an appropriate system. This paper outlines the philosophy and evolution of the FIM in the United States of America (USA), and emphasises the positive aspects of accountability through global functional measurement. Physiotherapists are encouraged to be positive and innovative in their approach to the use of this accountability tool to ensure that physiotherapy continues to be seen as a primary discipline in the global functional context of the rehabilitation process.