Stepping up to the plate.

With this third issue of Rehab Perspectives, we explore the importance of measuring a patient's progress during rehabilitation therapy. That seems like a pretty basic concept. Our society measures most things: student learning, professional competence, even the ability to drive a vehicle.

Yet historically, when it comes to rehabilitation, we talk in a fuzzy language: Mrs. Smith is "better," she has made "significant progress," she has a "higher quality of life."

Although those words are heartening and the impact on the patient's life might have been significant, they may not be enough. We must have a standardized, quantifiable measure to prove that Mrs. Smith's functional abilities have moved from point A to point B as a result of rehab intervention.

In other words, we must have credible outcomes data to support what we do. Outcomes measurement is important clinically in improving services, it is an exceptional facility marketing tool, and it will almost certainly become the backbone of future reimbursement.

Aegis has stepped up to the plate to hold our therapy departments accountable for the services our patients receive. With more than ten years' experience delivering contract therapy to nursing homes and eldercare venues, and currently serving more than 1,000 facilities nationwide, we are committed to a leadership role in the rehab industry and to high standards in resident treatment. We're proud of our outcomes measurement, using the Rehabilitation Outcomes Measure, and our reporting tools. With outcomes reports, everyone wins--patient, family, facility, physician, referral source, and clinician.

So enjoy this issue of Rehab Perspectives as we take you on a tour of outcomes measurement. Fasten your seat belt, it's an exciting ride. Aegis is your rehab resource.

Best regards,

Martha Schram

President

Aegis Therapies