DASH Outcome Measure
Learn how DASH can help measure patient mobility, strength, and function improvements. Download it for free today.
Fact Checked by Nate Lacson.
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.
Printable DASH Outcome Measure
Download this DASH Outcome Measure and assess your client’s strength and mobility.
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.
DASH Example (Sample)
We've created a DASH example to give you a clearer picture of how this can work in real life. The sample is done from the perspective of a fictitious character experiencing pain in their arms and shoulders. You can view the sample here or download it as a PDF for reference.
Download DASH Example (Sample)
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.
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.
Why Use Carepatron For DASH Software?
Running a medical practice can be a daunting task. Not only do you have to manage patient care, but you also need to be mindful of the business side of things. You need to stay on top of handling paperwork, provide treatment plans, and meet regulatory standards. That's why having the right tools and resources at your fingertips is essential.
At Carepatron, we fully understand the unique needs of medical practices. Our software makes managing patient information, scheduling, and billing much more straightforward. With Carepatron, you can streamline your workflow and take the stress out of running a successful physical therapy clinic.
We designed Carepatron with features that focus on your patients first. Our advanced appointment scheduling system helps you keep track of upcoming visits so you can make sure everyone gets the care they need. Plus, our integrated billing system helps you stay on top of payments and ensure your clinic runs smoothly.
At Carepatron, we strive to make practice management more effortless than ever before. With our cutting-edge software, you can quickly and efficiently manage all aspects of your clinic. We take the stress out of running a medical practice, so you can focus on providing the best possible care to your patients.
Try Carepatron today and see just how simple running a successful practice can be!
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Reference
Institute for Work & Health. (1996).DASH Outcome Measure. Retrieved from https://dash.iwh.on.ca/about-dash
Commonly asked questions
The DASH measures the impact of musculoskeletal conditions on a patient’s ability to complete everyday activities. It includes questions about pain, mobility, and daily tasks.
The purpose of the DASH is to accurately assess and monitor a patient’s condition so you can recommend effective treatment plans.
The DASH can be used whenever a healthcare professional needs to assess or monitor a patient’s condition.
