functional method


functional

 [fungk´shun-al] 1. pertaining to or fulfilling a function.2. affecting the function but not the structure.functional disease (functional disorder) a disease or disorder of physiological function having no known organic basis. Although not strictly correct, the term is often used in psychiatry for disorders that are psychogenic" >psychogenic and in other branches of medicine to refer to any that are idiopathic" >idiopathic.functional method a type of nursing care delivery system; see nursing practice.