Physiatric Prognosis
A specialist's forecast of the expected level of functional recovery for a rehabilitation patient, based on diagnosis, baseline impairment, and response to therapy.
Full Definition
A physiatric prognosis is a clinician's evidence-based prediction of the degree and timeline of functional recovery a rehabilitation patient is likely to achieve. It incorporates factors such as injury severity, premorbid status, comorbidities, and early therapy response. For editors, this term appears in discharge summaries, IRF admission orders, and medico-legal reports. It is distinct from a medical prognosis in that it focuses specifically on functional outcomes rather than disease course. Accurate use is essential to avoid conflating prognosis with treatment goals.
Usage
Usage note: Do not substitute 'prognosis' alone when the rehabilitation-functional context must be explicit; use the full compound form.
In Context
- "The physiatric prognosis indicated that the patient had a high likelihood of returning to independent ambulation within twelve weeks." — Inpatient rehabilitation discharge summary
- "Counsel requested the physiatric prognosis to establish long-term care costs in the personal injury claim." — Medico-legal report