FUNCTIONAL STATUS ASSESSMENT
INTRODUCTION
A functional status assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of an individual’s
ability to perform daily tasks, activities, and maintain independence. This
assessment is crucial in identifying strengths, limitations, and potential risks to
inform personalized care plans, interventions, and support services.
DEFINITION
A functional status assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of an individual’s
ability to perform daily tasks and activities, which is crucial in various healthcare
settings.
PURPOSE
1. Identify strengths and limitations
2. Develop personalized care plans
3. Monitor progress and adjust interventions
4. Determine readiness for discharge or rehabilitation
COMPONENTS
1. Activities of Daily Living (ADLs):
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Grooming
- Toileting
- Feeding
- Transferring (e.g., bed to chair)
2. Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs):
- Meal preparation
- Housekeeping
- Financial management
- Transportation
- Shopping
- Telephone use
3. Physical Function:
- Mobility (e.g., walking, climbing stairs)
- Balance
- Coordination
- Strength
- Endurance
4. Cognitive Function:
- Memory
- Attention
- Language
- Problem-solving
- Decision-making
5. Social Function:
- Interpersonal relationships
- Communication
- Leisure activities
ASSESSMENT TOOLS
1. Barthel Index
2. Functional Independence Measure (FIM)
3. Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living
4. Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale
5. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALSINVOLVED
1. Occupational Therapists (OTs)
2. Physical Therapists (PTs)
3. Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)
4. Nurses
5. Physicians
6. Social Workers
SETTINGS
1. Acute care hospitals
2. Rehabilitation centers
3. Skilled nursing facilities
4. Home healthcare
5. Outpatient clinics
The functional status assessment provides valuable information to guide care
decisions, ensuring individuals receive appropriate support and interventions to
maintain or improve their functional abilities.
PROCEDURE
A step-by-step functional status assessment procedure with rationale:
*Step 1: Gather Information (Chart Review)*
- Review medical history, diagnoses, and current treatments
- Identify previous assessments, progress notes, and discharge summaries
- Rationale: Understand the individual’s medical context and baseline functional
status
*Step 2: Interview the Individual/Caregiver*
- Ask about daily routines, challenges, and goals
- Discuss strengths, weaknesses, and concerns
- Rationale: Gain insight into the individual’s perspective, needs, and expectations
*Step 3: Observe and Assess ADLs*
- Evaluate performance in:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Grooming
- Toileting
- Feeding
- Transferring
- Use standardized tools (e.g., Barthel Index)
- Rationale: Objectively measure independence and need for assistance
*Step 4: Evaluate IADLs*
- Assess ability to:
- Prepare meals
- Manage finances
- Perform housekeeping
- Use transportation
- Shop
- Use the telephone
- Use standardized tools (e.g., Lawton IADL Scale)
- Rationale: Determine ability to manage daily tasks and maintain independence
*Step 5: Assess Physical Function*
- Evaluate:
- Mobility (e.g., walking, climbing stairs)
- Balance
- Coordination
- Strength
- Endurance
- Use standardized tools (e.g., Functional Independence Measure)
- Rationale: Identify physical limitations and potential safety risks
*Step 6: Evaluate Cognitive Function*
- Assess:
- Memory
- Attention
- Language
- Problem-solving
- Decision-making
- Use standardized tools (e.g., Mini-Mental State Examination)
- Rationale: Determine cognitive abilities and potential impact on daily functioning
*Step 7: Assess Social Function*
- Evaluate:
- Interpersonal relationships
- Communication
- Leisure activities
- Rationale: Understand social support networks and potential isolation risks
*Step 8: Compile and Interpret Findings*
- Synthesize information from all assessments
- Identify strengths, limitations, and goals
- Rationale: Develop a comprehensive understanding of the individual’s functional
status
*Step 9: Develop a Care Plan*
- Create personalized goals and interventions
- Involve the individual, caregivers, and healthcare team
- Rationale: Ensure targeted support and maximize functional potential
*Step 10: Regularly Review and Update*
- Schedule follow-up assessments
- Monitor progress and adjust the care plan as needed
RATIONALE : Ensure ongoing support and adapt to changing needs
By following this procedure, healthcare professionals can comprehensively assess
an individual’s functional status, identify areas for support, and develop effective
care plans to promote independence and well-being.
CONCLUSION
Here’s a potential conclusion for a functional status assessment:
This functional status assessment has provided a comprehensive understanding of
[Individual’s Name]’s abilities, limitations, and needs. The findings indicate:
- Strengths: [List specific strengths, e.g., ability to perform daily tasks
independently]
- Limitations: [List specific limitations, e.g., difficulty with mobility or cognitive
tasks]
- Needs: [List specific needs, e.g., assistance with bathing or managing finances]
Based on these findings, the following recommendations are made:
- [Recommendation 1, e.g., occupational therapy to improve mobility]
- [Recommendation 2, e.g., cognitive training to enhance memory]
- [Recommendation 3, e.g., home modifications to ensure safety]
These recommendations aim to promote [Individual’s Name]’s independence,
safety, and well-being. It is essential to regularly review and update this assessment
to ensure ongoing support and adapt to changing needs.
- Ongoing monitoring and evaluation are necessary to ensure optimal support and
care
By addressing the identified needs and implementing the recommended
interventions, we can support [Individual’s Name] in achieving their goals and
maintaining their highest level of functional ability.
