DASH Outcome Measure

What Is A DASH Outcome Measure?

The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) Outcome Measure is designed to help clinicians measure and evaluate their patient’s strength, function, and ability to move over time.

Developed by the Institute for Work & Health and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the is a self-administered questionnaire that covers 30 questions regarding daily living and work activities. The questions are answered on a 5-point scale from 'none' to 'extreme'. There is also a shorter version called QuickDASH, with only 11 questions.

This free assessment tool monitors rehabilitative progress in patients with musculoskeletal issues. It can also be used for research, clinical practice, and medical education.

How To Use This DASH Outcome Measure

Using the DASH is quick and easy. Follow these simple steps to get started:

Step One: Access the DASH tool

Access the free assessment using the link on this page. You can also download the DASH Outcome Measure from the Carepatron app or our resources library.

Step Two: Prepare the patient

Before beginning the assessment, ensure the patient is physically and mentally prepared to complete it. Explain the purpose of the test and answer any questions they may have.

Step Three: Patient completes the assessment

Give your patient plenty of time to answer the DASH. Encourage them to answer all questions honestly. This will help ensure accurate results, providing more meaningful information about the patient's condition.

Step Three: Calculate the score

Once the patient has answered all questions, calculate their overall score using the scoring system provided. This will give you a baseline measure of their disability or limitations.

Step Four: Interpret results

Review the results to understand the patient's condition better, allowing you to make decisions about treatment plans and track progress over time.

Step Five: Secure the assessment

Once the assessment has been completed, keep it safe and secure, as it contains confidential information.

When Would You Typically Use This DASH?

Like the QuickDASH, you can use this tool to evaluate patients with musculoskeletal pain. It’s beneficial to:

Monitor progress

Using the DASH Outcome Measure, you can monitor patient progress over time and measure how successful treatment plans are in reducing pain and increasing mobility.

Identify potential problems

The DASH can help identify potential problems that may have been overlooked. It can also be used alongside other tests to better understand the patient's condition.

Assess the impact of treatment

The DASH is a great way to assess the effectiveness of treatments. This allows you to make more informed decisions about the treatment plans you recommend for your patients.

Who Can Use these Printable DASH Outcome Measure?

The printable DASH Outcome Measure can be used by any healthcare professional. This includes:

• Physical therapists
• Occupational therapists
• Physicians
• Nurses
• Sports medicine specialists
• Chiropractors
• Rehabilitation specialists

It’s especially useful for identifying and measuring the severity of musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tears, carpal tunnel syndrome, and chronic pain. However, note that the DASH is designed to be used with other tests to get a complete picture of your patient’s condition.

Why Is This Assessment Popular With Physical Therapists?

The DASH Outcome Measure is popular with physical therapists because it provides a clear and comprehensive assessment of the patient's condition. It has also become popular because:

It's easy to use and understand

The DASH can be completed quickly, which makes it an ideal tool for busy healthcare professionals. You can also use it in various settings without wasting too much time.

The results are reliable and accurate

The DASH has been tested and validated, so you can be sure that your results are accurate. This allows you to make more informed decisions and create effective treatment plans.

Any healthcare professional can use it

Whether you’re a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, or any other healthcare professional, you can use the DASH to assess and monitor your patient’s progress.

Benefits Of Free DASH Outcome Measure

The free DASH Outcome Measure can help you quickly and effectively assess your patients’ conditions. Here are some of the key benefits:

It's cost-effective

The DASH is free to download and print, allowing you to get started immediately. It’s also easy for patients to access — they can complete it wherever and whenever convenient.

It's versatile

The DASH can be used to assess various musculoskeletal conditions across different settings, making it incredibly versatile.

It allows you to engage with your patient better

Using the DASH, you can create better dialogue with your patient and discuss their condition in more detail. This helps ensure that both you and your patient are on the same page regarding progress and treatment plans.

It makes patients more in control of their treatments

By allowing patients to monitor their own progress, the DASH helps empower them and put them in control of their treatment. This can help increase compliance and improve outcomes.

Reference

Institute for Work & Health. (1996).DASH Outcome Measure. Retrieved from https://dash.iwh.on.ca/about-dash