Rehabilitation assessment and evaluation

Abstract

This chapter describes assessment procedures in rehabilitation medicine. Covering initial, ongoing, and outcome assessment, it also describes different types of assessment measures (including descriptive, discriminative, predictive, evaluative assessments) and their specific suitability in different circumstances. Critical appraisal of different assessment tools are covered as well as assessment within the International Classification of Functioning and Health (ICF) framework, which provides a framework that describes a person’s health status as the interaction between three domains: body functions and structures, limitations in activity execution or performance, and restriction of participation. Rasch Analysis as applied to outcome measures in rehabilitation medicine is then explained. Acknowledging that rehabilitation is a complex intervention including a multidisciplinary team, sensible approaches to goal setting, and attainment are discussed.