Preliminary efforts to perform outcome evaluation at 20 outpatient rehabilitation facilities are presented, including utilization review and a patient satisfaction survey. Therapy services assessed in this initial phase ranged from acute care to work hardening and included patients with a wide variety of upper extremity diagnoses. Patients' perception of their general health status was assessed using the Short Form General Health Survey following discharge from therapy. Plans for improved outcome evaluation and development of critical pathways are included.
Keywords: Functional outcomes; Health survey; Utilization review.