Table 1 Categories and descriptions of the RAHC MOF scale[16]
Category | Description |
|---|---|
1. Superior | No symptoms; physically able; excellent relationships with family and friends; wide range of extra-curricular activities; doing well at school/preschool; developing normally; everyday problems never get out of hand. |
2. Good in all areas | Virtually no symptoms; usually copes well; physically able; good relationships; normal play & leisure activities; school/preschool OK; may have problems when stressed but these are short lived and only occasionally get out of hand. |
3. No more than slight problems | Some significant symptoms, only briefly get out of hand; sometimes child gets distressed; short term or little interference with mobility or relationships or play & leisure activities; school/preschool may be slightly affected or affected for a short time. |
4. Some difficulty in a single area but generally pretty well | Mild symptoms which recover quickly with treatment; any distress or disability does not stop child from doing most things at that age; some anxiety or irritability or brief mood changes; minor effect on mobility or school/preschool or relationships or play & leisure activities; problems may persist but may only be recognized by those who know the child. |
5. Variable problems in some but not all areas | Moderate symptoms have significant disabling effect on child; minor to moderate effect on mobility; school/preschool may be affected; may need special education; in some situations may seem O.K.; mainly managed in outpatient clinic or family doctor. |
6. Severe problems in one area OR moderate problems in most areas | Severe symptoms having a major effect on child’s life; restricted mobility; relationships or play & leisure activities are affected; child is distressed or has difficult behavior; some relationships are maintained; learning difficulties or problems with or missing school; likely to have been seen by specialist. |
7. Major problems in several areas AND unable to function in one of these areas. | Severe, almost constant symptoms; child is distressed, withdrawn or has strange or aggressive behaviour; significant limitations on mobility or school/preschool or relationships or play & leisure activities; specialist management needed. |
8. Unable to function in almost all areas | Very severe symptoms; child is very distressed; likely to be confined to bed; unable to go to school/preschool; may be in hospital but child is not entirely dependent on others. |
9. Needs nursing supervision | Confined to bed; in hospital; very severe symptoms but stable; needs help with self-care which a child the same age can do without help. |
10. Needs constant supervision | High (24 hrs) medical dependence e.g. In intensive care unit; life-threatening symptoms. |