COMPREHENSION

COMPREHENSION: Comprehension includes understanding of either auditory or visual communication (e.g., writing, sign language, gestures). Evaluate and indicate the more usual mode of comprehension (“Auditory” or “Visual”). If both are used about equally, code “Both.”

NO HELPER

7 Complete Independence—The patient understands complex or abstract directions and conversation, and understands either spoken or written language (not necessarily English).

6 Modified Independence—In most situations, the patient understands readily or with only mild difficulty complex or abstract directions and conversation. The patient does not require prompting, though (s)he may require a hearing or visual aid, other assistive device, or extra time to understand the information.

HELPER

5 Standby Prompting—The patient understands directions and conversation about basic daily needs more than 90% of the time. The patient requires prompting (slowed speech rate, use of repetition, stressing particular words or phrases, pauses, visual or gestural cues) less than 10% of the time.

4 Minimal Prompting—The patient understands directions and conversation about basic daily needs 75 to 90% of the time.

3 Moderate Prompting—The patient understands directions and conversation about basic daily needs 50 to 74% of the time.

2 Maximal Prompting—The patient understands directions and conversation about basic daily needs 25 to 49% of the time. Understands only simple, commonly used spoken expressions (e.g., hello, how are you) or gestures (e.g., waving good-bye, thank you). Requires prompting more than half the time.

1 Total Assistance—The patient understands directions and conversation about basic daily needs less than 25% of the time, or does not understand simple, commonly used spoken expressions (e.g., hello, how are you) or gestures (e.g., waving good-bye, thank you), or does not respond appropriately or consistently despite prompting.

Do not use code “0” for Comprehension.

COMMENT: Comprehension of complex or abstract information includes (but is not limited to) understanding current events appearing in television programs or newspaper articles, or abstract information on subjects such as religion, humor, math, or finances used in daily living. Comprehension of complex or abstract information may also include understanding information given during a group conversation. Information about basic daily needs refers to conversation, directions, and questions or statements related to the patient’s need for nutrition, fluids, elimination, hygiene or sleep (physiological needs).