Instrumental Activities of Daily Living
A set of complex daily tasks—such as managing finances, using a telephone, and preparing meals—that go beyond basic self-care and indicate higher-order functional independence.
Full Definition
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are a category of functional assessment measuring an individual's ability to perform complex tasks necessary for independent community living, such as shopping, cooking, managing medications, handling finances, and using transportation. Unlike basic ADLs, IADLs require a higher level of cognitive and physical integration and are often the first abilities to decline in early-stage functional impairment. In geriatric rehabilitation, IADL status is used to set discharge goals and determine the level of community support required. Editors working on rehabilitation reports should distinguish IADL from ADL and ensure the correct abbreviation—IADL—is used consistently.
Usage
Usage note: Always spell out in full on first use with the abbreviation IADL in parentheses. Do not conflate with ADL; the distinction is clinically meaningful and must be preserved in editing.
In Context
- "The occupational therapist noted that the patient had lost the ability to manage her medication schedule, marking a significant decline in instrumental activities of daily living." — Occupational therapy progress note
- "Discharge planning was complicated by the patient's impaired IADLs, particularly his inability to use public transport independently." — Multidisciplinary discharge summary