How is a functional outcome defined?

• A. An assessment of physical limitations
• B. A treatment effect that impacts meaningful goals
• C. A general measure of patient satisfaction
• D. The number of sessions attended by a patient

Answer: (B)

A functional outcome is best defined as a treatment effect that impacts meaningful goals. This concept emphasizes the importance of evaluating how treatment influences a patient's ability to achieve specific, significant life objectives or activities. In health care, particularly within rehabilitation and therapy contexts, the aim is not only to measure changes in symptoms or impairments but to assess how these changes translate into the patient's day-to-day functioning and overall quality of life.

The focus on meaningful goals means that functional outcomes are directly tied to the individual patient's values and aspirations, whether that involves returning to work, engaging in hobbies, or simply managing daily activities more effectively. This perspective aligns clinical effectiveness with real-world applicability, making it easier for health care professionals to justify interventions that lead to meaningful improvements in a patient's life.