toimintakyky

Toimintakyky, or functional capacity, is a core concept in Finnish health and social care. It describes an individual's ability to perform tasks and participate in daily life, covering both basic activities of daily living (ADL) such as bathing, dressing, and eating, and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) like cooking, shopping, and managing finances.

Within the WHO International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework, toimintakyky arises from the interaction of health conditions, body functions and structures, activities, participation, and environmental factors. It is regarded as dynamic and potentially improvable through medical treatment, rehabilitation, assistive devices, and social support.

Clinical assessment uses standardized tools to quantify independence in daily activities. Common instruments include the Barthel Index, Katz ADL, Lawton IADL, and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). In Finland, these measures are routinely used in geriatrics, rehabilitation, and disability services and are integral to planning care and evaluating outcomes. The ICF model also guides documenting changes in functioning across body functions, activities, and participation.

Determinants of toimintakyky include age, chronic diseases, multimorbidity, cognitive status, mood, social support, and living environment. Interventions to improve functional capacity encompass rehabilitation programs, environmental modifications, mobility and assistive devices, caregiver support, and coordinated care across health and social services. The focus is on maintaining independence, enhancing quality of life, and reducing the need for intensive assistance.