This paper describes the setting up of an interdisciplinary tool to assess readiness for discharge of patients from hospital. The rationale behind the tool is discussed and the literature is reviewed for current perspectives of measurement in rehabilitation, the desirability of planning discharges of referrals and the interdisciplinary nature of the health care team. The concept of readiness is also discussed. Finally, the evolution of the tool is described and its use with selected patients in a rehabilitation hospital is demonstrated.