Patient Outcomes

Rehabilitation Institute at Santa Barbara (RISB) measures the functional outcomes or results of each person's rehabilitation progress. Outcomes or results are measured using a national scale called the Functional Independence Measure, or FIM. Patients are assessed in their ability to perform certain activities of daily living, communicating, thinking, and problem solving both on admission and at discharge. The results of these scores are compared with national and regional benchmark data. RISB has consistently had a higher than expected percentage of patients who are discharged home. The Institute's follow-up information indicates that the patients discharged home are able to stay at home, and they report their level of independence is as good, if not better, than when they left Rehabilitation Institute at Santa Barbara.

Outcome achievement is monitored according to different patient groups to determine if there are any patterns in clinical treatment that can be improved. Clinical Leadership, Senior Leadership, and Board of Directors review outcomes information quarterly as a means to drive process improvement.

Rehabilitation Institute at Santa Barbara integrates responses from Patient Satisfaction Surveys into the review of outcomes. Patients' comments about rehabilitation services they have received at RISB have led to new practices that better meet the needs of RISB's patients and the community.