Abstract
Tameside and Glossop Rehabilitation Team have developed a progressive and targeted service through the systematic implementation of research-based evidence in practice and service configuration. This study was independently commissioned from a small research team at ScHARR (CB/MD) to provide a method of auditing the cost and outcome of the service which could be integrated in the day-to-day delivery of services, and which could inform future service developments. Changes in the functioning of the total population of Rehabilitation Team clients were assessed over a 1-year period by Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS) ratings at 6-monthly intervals. Costs of formal and informal care used by a sample of clients over the year were also calculated and client and carer satisfaction was examined. The results of this 1-year global evaluation of outcome and cost gave clear indications of areas of work which needed improving or changing, and identified ways in which the ongoing process of data collection could be refined.