MODIFIED BARTHEL INDEX (SHAH VERSION): SELF CARE ASSESSMENT
INDEX
I
T
EM
SCORE
DESCRIPTION
CHAIR/BED TRANSFERS
0
3
8
12
15
U
n
a
b
le to
p
a
rtici
p
ate in a tra
n
sfer. Two attendants
are
r
e
quir
e
d
t
o
tr
a
n
s
fer
the patient with or without a mechanical device.
Able to participate but maximum assistance of one other person is require in
all aspects of the transfer.
The transfer requires the assistance of one other person. Assistance may
be required in any aspect of the transfer.
The presence of another person is required either as a confidence measure, or
to provide supervision for safety.
The patient can safely approach the bed walking or in a wheelchair, lock brak
es, lift
footrests, or position walking aid, move safely to bed, lie down, come to a sitting
position on the side of the bed, change the position of the wheelchair, transfer
back into it safely and/or grasp aid and stand. The patient must be independen
t in
all phases of this activity.
AMBULATION
0
3
8
12
15
Dep
en
d
ent
i
n
a
m
bulati
o
n
.
Constant presence of one or more assistant is required during ambulation.
Assistance is required with reaching aids and/or their manipulation. One person is
required to offer assistance.
The patient is independent in ambulation but unable to walk 50 metres
without help, or supervision is needed for confidence or safety in hazardous
situations.
The patient must be able to wear braces if required, lock and unlock these
braces assume standing position, sit down, and place the necessary aids into
position for use. The patient must be able to crutches, canes, or a walkarette,
and walk 50 metres without help or supervision
AMBULATION/
W
HEELCHAIR
* (If unable to walk)
Only use this item if the
patient is rated “0” for
Ambulation, and then
only if the patient has
been trained in
wheelchair management.
0
1
3
4
5
De
p
e
n
d
e
n
t
i
n
w
h
eelc
h
air a
m
bu
latio
n
.
Patient can propel self-short distances on flat surface, but assistance is required
for all other steps of wheelchair management.
Presence of one person is necessary and constant assistance is required
to manipulate chair to table, bed, etc.
The patient can propel self for a reasonable duration over regularly encountered
terrain. Minimal assistance may still be required in “tight corners” or to
negotiate a kerb 100mm high.
To propel wheelchair independently, the patient must be able to go around
corners, turn around, manoeuvre the chair to a table, bed, toilet, etc. The patient
must be able to push a chair at least 50 metres and negotiate a kerb.
