The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Outcome Measure is a 30-item, self-report questionnaire designed to measure physical function and symptoms in patients with any or several musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb. The questionnaire was designed to help describe the disability experienced by people with upper-limb disorders and also to monitor changes in symptoms and function over time. Testing has shown that the DASH performs well in both these roles. It gives clinicians and researchers the advantage of having a single, reliable instrument that can be used to assess any or all joints in the upper extremity. The DASH Outcome Measure contains two optional, four-item modules intended to measure symptoms and function in athletes, performing artists and other workers whose jobs require a high degree of physical performance. Because they may be having difficulties only at high performance levels–which are beyond the scope of the 30-item DASH Outcome Measure–clinicians may find the modules, which are scored separately from the DASH, useful in assessing these special patients.
Scoring the DASH Outcome Measure
The DASH Outcome Measure is scored in two components: the disability/symptom section (30 items, scored 1-5) and the optional high performance Sport/Music or Work section (4 items, scored 1-5).
Download DASH Scoring Instructions
Calculation of Scores - Free Service
Free information and calculation services for the DASH and QuickDASH Outcome Measures are available from Orthopaedic Scores. Please ensure that you read and agree to the conditions of use posted on their website before using the scoring tools.
To access them, click on: DASH Outcome Measure Score or QuickDASH Outcome Measure Score
The Institute for Work & Health thanks the developers of the scoring tools and owners of the Orthopaedic Scores website for providing this free service and weblink.