Barthel Index: Measuring Independence in Daily Activities

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.