BackgroundThe Karnofsky Performance Scale is an assessment tool used to assist clinicians and caretakers in measuring a patient's ability to carry out activities of daily living. It is important to assess a patient's performance on a regular basis, especially as the effects of HIV progress. Documentation of Karnofsky scores may be very helpful if a patient applies for disability benefits, and may be useful for some research applications. Table 1. The Karnofsky Performance Scale | Description | Percent (%) |
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| Normal; no complaints; no evidence of disease | 100 | | Able to carry on normal activity; minor signs and symptoms of disease | 90 | | Normal activity with effort; some signs and symptoms of disease | 80 | | Cares for self; unable to carry on normal activity or do work | 70 | | Requires occasional assistance, but is able to care for most personal needs | 60 | | Requires considerable assistance and frequent medical care | 50 | | Disabled; requires special care and assistance | 40 | | Severely disabled; hospitalization indicated although death not imminent | 30 | | Very sick; hospitalization necessary; requires active support treatment | 20 | | Moribund; fatal processes progressing rapidly | 10 | | Dead | 0 |
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