QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
This would correspond to a patient who is fully active, able to carry out all pre-disease performance without restriction. This does not match the description of the patient, as she is confined to bed, unable to perform any self-care activities or walk around her house, and requires assistance with dressing.
62107
e
Status 0
QuestionChoice
This would correspond to a patient who is able to walk and do light work, but is unable to do heavy work. This does not match the description of the patient, as she is unable to perform any self-care activities or walk around her house and is confined to bed.
62106
d
Status 1
QuestionChoice
This would correspond to a patient who is restricted in self-care and is unable to carry out any work activities. This does not match the description of the patient, as she is confined to bed, unable to perform any self-care activities or walk around her house, and requires assistance with dressing.
62104
b
Status 3
QuestionChoice
This would correspond to a patient who is restricted in physically strenuous activity but ambulatory and able to carry out work of a light or sedentary nature. This does not match the description of the patient, as she is confined to bed, unable to perform any self-care activities or walk around her house, and requires assistance with dressing.
62105
c
Status 2
QuestionChoice
The patient is confined to bed, unable to perform any self-care activities or walk around her house, and requires assistance with dressing. This corresponds to a WHO Performance Status of 4 (completely disabled, bedridden, and requiring active nursing care).
62103
a
Status 4
Concept
Chapter
# Summary


WHO Performance status classification categorises patients into different groups dependent on their physical fitness, measured by their ability to perform activities of daily living. It is used to assess their suitability for chemotherapy, and has some prognostic significance. 


Chemotherapy as a treatment is not without its side effects, which can limit quality of life and have negative impacts on other comorbidities. Treatment decisions involve a risk-benefit analysis, and as such a patients' performance status has a significant bearing on what treatment options are most appropriate.


# Classification


The WHO performance status classification categorises patients as:


- 0: able to carry out all normal activity without restriction
- 1: restricted in strenuous activity but ambulatory and able to carry out light work
- 2: ambulatory and capable of all self-care but unable to carry out any work activities; up and about more than 50% of waking hours
- 3: symptomatic and in a chair or in bed for greater than 50% of the day but not bedridden
- 4: completely disabled; cannot carry out any self-care; totally confined to bed or chair.


# References

[NICE Appendix C: WHO performance status classification](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta121/chapter/appendix-c-who-performance-status-classification#:~:text=The%20WHO%20performance%20status%20classification,to%20carry%20out%20light%20work)

[JAMA Oncology: Performance status in patients with cancer](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/fullarticle/2432463)
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623
WHO Performance Status
Topic
25
Oncology and Palliative Care
12482
A 67-year-old woman with a history of advanced breast cancer presents to the oncology clinic for her follow-up appointment. She has been receiving palliative chemotherapy for the past nine months and reports having significant symptom control. Her past medical history is significant for diabetes and obesity.

On physical examination, the patient appears tired and anxious. She is able to speak in short sentences and is short of breath with any activity. She has difficulty with personal hygiene and requires assistance with dressing. She is unable to prepare meals or walk around her house and is confined to bed. You are writing a letter to her oncologist and want to include her WHO Performance Status.

What is the patient's WHO Performance Status?
a