QuickDASH
The QuickDASH is an 11-item questionnaire that evaluates physical function and symptoms in individuals with upper limb musculoskeletal conditions. It is a streamlined version of the 30-item DASH questionnaire, designed to minimise respondent burden whilst maintaining reliability and validity.
What is the QuickDASH?
The QuickDASH is a brief, patient-reported outcome measure that assesses physical function and symptoms in individuals with upper limb musculoskeletal disorders. By focusing on the patient's perspective, it provides valuable insights into the impact of these conditions on daily life and aids clinicians in monitoring progress and tailoring interventions. Its brevity makes it suitable for use in busy clinical settings and large-scale research studies.
Scoring System
The QuickDASH consists of 11 items, each scored on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = no difficulty/symptoms to 5 = unable/extreme symptoms). To calculate the overall score: (1) Sum the scores of the completed items; (2) Divide by the number of completed items to obtain the average; (3) Subtract one from the average; (4) Multiply the result by 25. This calculation yields a score ranging from 0 to 100, where 0 represents no disability and 100 represents severe disability. At least 10 of the 11 items must be completed to calculate a valid score.
General Information
Clinical Information
Instructions
This questionnaire asks about your symptoms as well as your ability to perform certain activities. Please answer every question, based on your condition in the last week, by selecting the appropriate response. If you did not have the opportunity to perform an activity in the past week, please make your best estimate of which response would be the most accurate. A minimum of 10 of the 11 items must be completed to calculate a score.
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QuickDASH
The QuickDASH is an 11-item questionnaire that evaluates physical function and symptoms in individuals with upper limb musculoskeletal conditions. It is a streamlined version of the 30-item DASH questionnaire, designed to minimise respondent burden whilst maintaining reliability and validity.
Instructions:
This questionnaire asks about your symptoms as well as your ability to perform certain activities. Please answer every question, based on your condition in the last week, by selecting the appropriate response. If you did not have the opportunity to perform an activity in the past week, please make your best estimate of which response would be the most accurate. A minimum of 10 of the 11 items must be completed to calculate a score.
Daily Activities
Symptoms and Impact
Work Module (Optional)
Sports/Performing Arts Module (Optional)
Patient Watch Form - 10/31/2025
Detailed Scoring Methodology
The QuickDASH consists of 11 items, each scored on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = no difficulty/symptoms to 5 = unable/extreme symptoms). To calculate the overall score: (1) Sum the scores of the completed items; (2) Divide by the number of completed items to obtain the average; (3) Subtract one from the average; (4) Multiply the result by 25. This calculation yields a score ranging from 0 to 100, where 0 represents no disability and 100 represents severe disability. At least 10 of the 11 items must be completed to calculate a valid score.
Assessment Subscales
Work Module (Optional)
Assesses the impact of upper limb conditions on work-related tasks and productivity.
Sports/Performing Arts Module (Optional)
Evaluates the effect of upper limb conditions on sports and performing arts activities.
Meaningful Change Threshold
A change of 15.9 points in the QuickDASH score is considered the minimal clinically important difference (MCID), indicating a meaningful change in a patient's condition. A change of 8 points has been suggested as the minimal detectable change.
About the Developers
The QuickDASH was developed by the Institute for Work & Health (IWH) in Toronto, Canada, in collaboration with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and other organisations. It was derived from the original 30-item DASH questionnaire to provide a more efficient assessment tool.
Copyright Information
The QuickDASH is copyrighted by the Institute for Work & Health. The questionnaire is available for use without a fee, but users must agree to the terms and conditions set by the IWH. Permission should be obtained from the Institute for Work & Health before use. Official translations and licensing information are available at dash.iwh.on.ca.
Administration Instructions
This questionnaire asks about your symptoms as well as your ability to perform certain activities. Please answer every question, based on your condition in the last week, by selecting the appropriate response. If you did not have the opportunity to perform an activity in the past week, please make your best estimate of which response would be the most accurate. A minimum of 10 of the 11 items must be completed to calculate a score.
Limitations & Considerations
Whilst the QuickDASH is a reliable and valid measure, it may not capture all aspects of upper limb function, particularly in complex or highly specific cases. The questionnaire focuses on physical function and symptoms, but does not assess psychological factors or quality of life. Cultural and language differences may affect the interpretation of certain items, and validated translations should be used for non-English speaking populations. The optional modules (work, sports/performing arts) are not always included, which may limit assessment in certain patient populations.
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