Putting outcome measurement in context: A rehabilitation psychology perspective

This article provides an overview of topics related to health care measurement as applied to medical rehabilitation. Described are conceptual models of health outcome measurement in rehabilitation and their utility for researchers and clinicians, the application of contemporary measurement approaches to rehabilitation outcome measurement, and accrediting organizations' efforts to implement performance indicators for rehabilitation. The discussion situates participation as a key interest of rehabilitation psychologists and other stakeholders. Reviewed are examples of instruments designed to ope rationalize participation, advances in measurement theory, and methods that allow outcome indicators to be measured more accurately and easily, including item response theory. This introduction concludes by considering how public disclosure of outcomes can help consumers make more informed choices and help accrediting organizations' efforts to promote outcome disclosure.