Functional Assessment Staging Tool (FAST) for Dementia

Presented by Amy Rose and Clinical Procedure Manual Review Board

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Video Runtime: 7 Minutes

The Functional Assessment Staging Tool, also known as FAST, is a common tool used for scoring a patient’s progression in Alzheimer’s disease. In this training, we’ll review the equipment and procedures for using the Functional Assessment Staging Tool. This course includes
• Video demonstrations of procedures
• Downloadable procedure guide PDFs
• Tips and best practices for performing these procedures

The FAST is an important quantitative tool the interdisciplinary team can use to review a patient’s progress. Typically, the FAST is performed by a registered nurse.

This course was reviewed by Amy Rose, RN, MSN, CHPN, and Jennifer Kennedy, EdD, MA, BSN, RN, CHC, to ensure the content meets current professional guidelines and best evidence-based practices.

Meet your instructors

Amy Rose

Amy Rose is a passionate end-of-life-care nurse, leader, and educator. Amy holds an applied nursing master’s degree in executive leadership and has dedicated the majority of her career to developing both people and processes in the post-acute care space. Amy has worked in clinically and technically complex roles ranging from…

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Clinical Procedure Manual Review Board

The MedBridge Clinical Procedure Manual Review Board ensures the development and maintenance of up-to-date and evidence-based clinical procedures. The review board is composed of leading nurse experts in the field: Danielle Pierotti, RN, PhD, CENP, and Margherita Labson, RN, BSN, MSHSA. The review board is involved in…

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Chapters & learning objectives

1. Introduction

This chapter includes an introduction to using the Functional Assessment Staging Tool (FAST) for dementia, information on all of the equipment needed for this assessment, and recommended infection control policies.

2. Functional Assessment Staging Tool (FAST)

The Function Assessment and Staging Tool, commonly known as FAST, is a tool used to assess the progression of Alzheimer’s disease on patients. FAST is an important qualitative tool for patients who present challenges when capturing quantitative decline at end of life. This chapter will discuss the assessments necessary to complete the FAST assessment, as well as applications of these assessments in several patient scenarios.

3. Tips, Precautions, and Care Considerations

This chapter provides tips and considerations for performing the FAST for hospice care.

4. Documentation Guidelines

This chapter provides recommendations on what to note when documenting for patients receiving an assessment using the FAST.

5. Patient Education

This chapter provides information on what education patients need to support self-management of their care.

6. Conclusion

This chapter includes learning assessment questions to assess the learner’s knowledge of skills covered in this course. A bibliography of referenced material is also included.