title: The historical and conceptual framework for functional assessment in rheumatic disease.
abstract: Over the past 300 years the classification of disease has changed in accordance with the dominant concept of its nature. Disease is now viewed as both a biological and social phenomenon and assessment of function is becoming increasingly important. Instruments have been developed to measure function and health status. Although they all have limitations, they provide valuable tools for the clinician to evaluate treatment effects on the quality of life of his patient.
mesh_terms: D001168:Arthritis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D011594:Psychometrics; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*