Nicholls et al developed a simple screening tool for evaluating a patient with leprosy. The instrument can be modified for use with other conditions. The authors are from the University of Aberdeen, University of Pune (India), KIT Leprosy Unit (Amsterdam), and leprosy clinics in India and Brazil.
Screening items:
(1) gender
(2) physical signs associated with impairment (sensory loss, chronic wounds, foot lesions, etc)
(3) education level
(4) fear of abandonment by family and friends if diagnosis known
(5) concerns based on local conditions
|
Screening Item |
Response |
Points |
|
gender |
male |
0 |
|
|
female |
1 |
|
physical signs |
absent |
0 |
|
|
present |
1 |
|
education level |
>= 5 years |
0 |
|
|
< 5 years |
1 |
|
fear of abandonment |
absent |
0 |
|
|
present |
1 |
|
local concerns |
absent |
0 |
|
|
present |
1 |
total score =
= SUM(points for all 5 items)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 5
• The higher the score the greater the risk for participation restrictions.
|
Total Score |
Action |
|
0 |
continue to monitor regularly |
|
1 or 2 |
provide advice and training, increase monitoring |
|
3 or more |
refer for rehabilitation counseling and interventions; evaluate effectiveness of interventions |
Purpose: To screen a patient with leprosy for risk of impairment using the tool of Nicholls et al.
Specialty: Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation, Infectious Diseases
Objective: risk factors, disability and performance
ICD-10: A30,
