Barthel Index: Measuring Independence in Daily Activities

Assesses daily functioning and independence in activities like bathing and toileting, primarily used in rehabilitation and geriatric care.

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BI

Barthel Index

The Barthel Index assesses a patient's daily functioning and independence in activities such as bathing and toileting, primarily used in rehabilitation and geriatric care settings.

Category
Physical health
Mobility
Monitoring
Rehabilitation
Source
Mahoney FI, Barthel D, 1965
Author Name
Mahoney, F.I., Barthel, D.W. (1965)

Instrument Description

The Barthel Index (BI) is a widely used assessment tool that measures an individual's daily functioning, specifically activities of daily living (ADL) and mobility. It's an important measure of a person's independence or dependence in performing everyday tasks. The Barthel Index comprises ten items, assessing aspects such as bowel and bladder continence, grooming, toilet use, feeding, transfers, mobility, dressing, stairs, and bathing. Each item is scored based on the person's ability to perform the task, with response options ranging from being completely dependent to being fully independent. The Barthel Index is administered through observation or self-report and is commonly used in rehabilitation settings to monitor patient progress and plan care. Its applications extend to research and clinical practice, providing a standardised measure of functional ability. By using the Barthel Index, healthcare professionals can identify areas where patients require support and develop targeted interventions to improve their functional outcomes, ultimately enhancing patient care and rehabilitation.

The Barthel Index can be scored using one main approach with variations in scoring scales. It measures an individual's daily functioning, specifically activities of daily living (ADL) and mobility. The index scores range from 0 to 20, with some versions using 0-100 by multiplying by 5. Ten items are assessed: bowel and bladder continence, grooming, toilet use, feeding, transfers, mobility, dressing, stairs, and bathing. Each item is scored based on whether the individual can perform the task independently or needs assistance, with scores indicating the level of independence. For instance, a score of 100 (or 20) indicates the person is fully independent in these activities.

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Advantages

Treatment planning

Develops personalised strategies based on assessment data.

Outcome tracking

Measures healthcare intervention results systematically.

Standardized practices

Maintains uniform healthcare delivery standards.

2017
Minutes

minutes

1
Questions

questions

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