Falls are a significant issue in rehabilitation settings and current fall prevention strategies fall short of reducing fall rates. Implementation of new video monitoring technology can help reduce fall rates in inpatient rehabilitation settings.

Assessment of functional status is a major responsibility for professionals practicing in rehabilitation facilities. Functional assessment tools have been created to meet this need. One of the most widely used tools is the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Data from the FIM are used to examine patient outcomes for several purposes. This article explores the rationale for use of the FIM as an outcomes measure and research regarding the validity, reliability, responsiveness, and utility of this tool. Limitations of this instrument, future research needs, and implications for rehabilitation professionals also are discussed.

Falls are a significant issue in rehabilitation settings, and current fall prevention strategies fall short of reducing fall rates. Implementation of new video monitoring technology can help reduce fall rates in inpatient rehabilitation settings.

The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is impacting post-acute inpatient rehabilitation nursing practice from preadmission assessment to inpatient care delivery and transition planning. Patients with disability following COVID-19 require interventions to address respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, musculoskeletal, and psychosocial issues. The pandemic has resulted in changes to program structures and how inpatient rehabilitation facilities approach family caregiver engagement amidst visitation restrictions. Technology solutions can be utilized to reduce the patient and their family's feelings of isolation and support caregiver preparation for discharge. Nurse leaders are essential in supporting staff during this crisis through authentic presence and providing resources and training. Rehabilitation nurses are key in helping patients and families manage rehabilitation and the aftermath of COVID-19 to restore optimal functioning. In this clinical consultation, we synthesize insights learned from the COVID-19 responses at three inpatient rehabilitation facilities. We describe the impact of rehabilitation nursing interventions to improve outcomes for patients with COVID-19 and their caregivers.

The FIM scores are assessed early during a patient's stay, are required for all Medicare patients, and may be useful for simple, rapid, and accurate assignment of falls risk.