Functional Capacity Scale as a new tool for early functional assessment in patients after surgical treatment of intracranial aneurysms: A prospective study involving 128 patients

BACKGROUND: Functional assessment of a patient focuses on the assessment of independence in activities of daily living. The aim of the study was to verify the usefulness of a new tool (Functional Capacity Scale – FCS) for early functional assessment of patients after surgical treatment of an intracranial aneurysm. MATERIAL/METHODS: The study was conducted in the Neurosurgical Department and Clinic, CM in Bydgoszcz, NCU, within a group of 128 patients after surgical treatment of an intracranial aneurysm. Direct observation and measurement were used in the study. In clinical assessment, the Hunt and Hess Scale was applied. For the final functional assessment, the Functional Capacity Scale (FCS), the Glasgow Outcome Scale, the Functional Index “Repty”, the Barthel Index, and the Rankin Scale were used. RESULTS: The study shows that on the day of discharge almost 60% of patients are independent or slightly dependent on others for functional capability, and 15% are significantly or totally dependent. FCS significantly correlates with FIR (0.93, p<0.001), GOS (0.89, p<0.01), RS (−0.88, p<0.01) and BI (0.82, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: 1. Fifty percent of patients with intracranial aneurysm assessed at the early postoperative stage leave the ward as functionally capable of performing everyday activities. 2. There are significant correlations between FCS and the other scales used for functional assessment. 3. There is a significant relationship between functional capacity of the patient on the day of discharge and clinical condition before the surgical treatment.