Hello Carmen: Thanks for the information on the DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand). I don't really see this as on occupation-based assessment, but I like what it attempts to do. It's much better than ROM, MMT, etc. However, I wonder how patients and referring ortho doctors would view this assessment/outcome. In my experience, ortho MD's are only concerned about ROM, decreased pain, etc. They are not SPECIFICALLY concerned with many of the items listed on the DASH.
Has anyone ever used the DASH as the only outcome measure with UE ortho patients? With this particular patient, there really is no hope at this time for regaining lost occupation caused by the arm dysfunction. Additionally, the patient does have other occupational dysfunction which could have been restored, but he did not desire to do so. Thanks, Ron ~~~ Ron Carson MHS, OT www.OTnow.com ----- Original Message ----- From: Carmen Aguirre <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2009 To: [email protected] <[email protected]> Subj: [OTlist] Breaking the Bonds of Upper Extremity OT; Is it even Possible? CA> There is a tool called The DASH, an occupationally- based CA> assessment tool that attempst to merge physical dysfuntion and CA> decreased occupational engagement. I would have use it in the CA> scenario you presented. There is an area of occupation we many times CA> don't address: Health Maintenance skills. CA> Perhaps looking a increased competency in this area may increase CA> your comfort level in treating it as it relates to occupational CA> dysfunction. I know that is what i did to be able to understand the CA> implications of the hemi shoulder and then begin to explore the many CA> possibilities to enhance occupation. CA> i had to start with the components of arm use before before CA> addressing the actual task at the begining but pretty soon most of CA> the treatments become occupationally based . CA> Carmen CA> -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]
