Introduction There is limited research addressing the experiences of patients in inpatient rehabilitation (rehabilitation), who often spend long periods in hospital, and the nursing approaches utilized. Aim Based on evidence that motivational interviewing (MI) may improve nursing practice, this was a pilot study evaluating the feasibility of training rehabilitation nurses in MI and measuring patient experience. Method Nurses underwent training and supervision focusing on MI spirit. Quantitative and qualitative measures were taken pretraining, 2 months post-training and 8 months post-training. Expert-by-experience research assistants facilitated patients' participation in the study. Results This study showed that training rehabilitation nurses in MI was feasible and relevant to their work. Patients participated in interviews and focus groups with support and potential improvements that require further empirical investigation in patient experience were found following the MI training. Discussion This pilot study establishes the feasibility of a larger study addressing efficacy. Tentative qualitative findings question whether interactions between nurses and patients are valued in rehabilitation and support MI as a promising skill set for rehabilitation nurses. Implications for practice Bringing MI into inpatient rehabilitation provoked reflection on nursing practice. Dilemmas for nurses about balancing safety with promoting autonomy and communicating constructively with patients emerged as important.

Aims and method A retrospective evaluation was undertaken of the clinical and economic effectiveness of three in-patient rehabilitation units across one London National Health Service trust. Information on admission days and costs 2 years before and 2 years after the rehabilitation placement, length of rehabilitation placement and the discharge pathway was collected on 22 service users.Results There were statistically significant reductions in hospital admission days in the 2 years following rehabilitation compared with the 2 years before, further reflected in significantly lower bed costs. Longer length of rehabilitation placement was correlated with fewer admission days after the placement. A substantial proportion of the sample went into more independent living, some with no further admissions at follow-up.Clinical implications The findings suggest that in-patient rehabilitation is both clinically and cost effective: if benefits are sustained they will offset the cost of the rehabilitation placement.

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This is a study of service users’ recovery-related experiences in two rehabilitation units, using the Developing Recovery Enhancing Environments Measure (DREEM). We discuss what we learnt about the service and how useful and usable we found the DREEM.