Which instrument is used to collect occupational profile data in hand therapy?

• A. DASH measure
• B. SF-36
• C. MMPI
• D. Fugl-Meyer

Answer: (A)

In hand therapy, capturing an occupational profile means understanding how a condition affects a person’s daily tasks, work, and meaningful activities from their own perspective. The DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand) is a patient-reported outcome measure designed specifically to quantify how arm, shoulder, and hand problems affect function across a wide range of everyday activities, work, and social participation. It provides a clear snapshot of real-world performance and symptoms, which is exactly what an occupational profile aims to describe.

The SF-36 is a general health survey, not tailored to upper-extremity function. The MMPI measures personality traits, not functional tasks. The Fugl-Meyer assesses motor impairment and impairment severity, typically clinician-rated, and focuses on impairment rather than the patient’s daily occupational tasks.

Thus, the DASH measure is the best choice for collecting occupational profile data in hand therapy.