Barthel Index

Assessment of Functional Independence in Daily Activities

The Barthel Index is an instrument used to assess functional dependence in daily activities, especially in people with physical or neurological disabilities. It measures the individual's ability to perform 10 basic tasks, assigning scores that indicate the degree of dependence.

Year Created: 1965

Authors: Mahoney FI and Barthel DW

Area Employed: Geriatric wards, nursing homes, rehabilitation, home care, and assessment of patients with stroke or other conditions affecting mobility and independence.

Criteria Evaluated: Feeding, Bathing, Grooming, Dressing, Bowels, Bladder, Toilet Use, Transfers (bed/chair), Mobility (walking), and Stairs.

Who uses it?: Geriatricians, physiotherapists, and nurses.

Select the score for each activity:

Reference:

Mahoney FI, Barthel DW. Functional Evaluation: The Barthel Index. Md State Med J. 1965 Feb;14:61-5.