Clinical Manual for Management of the HIV-Infected ... - myCME.com

Karnofsky Performance Scale
Background
The 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 (%)
Normal; no complaints; no evidence of disease 100
Able to carry on normal activity; minor signs and
symptoms of disease
Normal activity with effort; some signs and
symptoms of disease
Cares for self; unable to carry on
normal activity or do work
Requires occasional assistance, but is able to care
for most personal needs
Requires considerable assistance
and frequent medical care
Disabled; requires special care and assistance 40
Severely disabled; hospitalization indicated
although death not imminent
Very sick; hospitalization necessary;
requires active support treatment
Moribund; fatal processes progressing rapidly 10
Dead 0
90
80
70
60
50
30
20
Section 10—Resources for Clinicians and Patients | 10-1