Barthel Index
The Barthel Index contains ten variables describing activities of daily living and mobility. A higher number is associated with a greater likelihood of being able to live at home after discharge from hospital. A number of variations have been published since it was introduced in 1965.
The ten variables addressed in the Barthel scale are:
- presence or absence of faecal incontinence
- presence or absence of urinary incontinence
- help needed with grooming
- help needed with toilet use
- help needed with feeding
- help needed with transfers (e.g. from chair to bed)
- help needed with walking
- help needed with dressing
- help needed with climbing stairs, and
- help needed with bathing.
Reference
Barthel MF. Functional evaluation: the Barthel Index. Md. Med. J. 1965; 14: 61-5.
