Barthel Index
Pronunciation: BAR-thel
A standardized assessment tool measuring independence in basic activities of daily living.
Full Definition
The Barthel Index is a 10-item assessment scale that evaluates a patient's level of independence in performing basic self-care activities such as feeding, bathing, grooming, dressing, bowel and bladder control, toilet use, transfers, mobility, and stair climbing. Scores range from 0 (totally dependent) to 100 (fully independent), with specific point values assigned to each activity. It is extensively used in rehabilitation medicine to track functional progress and determine discharge readiness. The tool was developed by Florence Barthel and Dorothea Mahoney in 1965.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize 'Barthel' and 'Index' when referring to the formal assessment tool.
In Context
- "The patient's Barthel Index score increased from 45 to 85 over the course of the 4-week rehabilitation program." — Discharge summary
- "Admission Barthel Index scores were used to stratify patients into high and low functioning groups." — Clinical research paper