funktionsnivå

Funktionsnivå is a term used in Swedish to describe an individual’s level of functioning in relation to daily life and participation, given their health condition. It is used in several sectors, including health care, social services, education, and workplace planning, to assess needs for support, rehabilitation, assistive devices, or accommodations.

The concept encompasses physical, cognitive, emotional, and social functions. It covers activities of daily living such as self-care (bathing, dressing, eating), mobility, and continence, as well as instrumental activities of daily living like managing finances, transportation, and communication. It also includes participation in social activities, work or school, and the ability to adapt to environmental demands. The functional level may be influenced by symptoms such as pain, fatigue, or cognitive load, and by the surrounding environment and available support.

Assessment of funktionsnivå is conducted by professionals such as physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and social workers. It may use standardized instruments or rely on clinical judgment. Common approaches include ADL and IADL scales, performance-based tests, and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework as a structure for describing functioning and disability. Results are often presented as categories, scores, or qualitative terms (for example independent, needs assistance, or dependent), and can be context-dependent.

Purpose and use: determining eligibility for services, planning rehabilitation and care, guiding interventions and accommodations, and monitoring changes in function over time. Because funktionsnivå can vary with environment, health status, and support, assessments are ideally repeated and contextualized to the individual.