Barthel Index is a valid and reliable tool to measure the functional independence of cancer patients in palliative care

Abstract

Background Our objective was to verify the reliability, internal consistency and construct validity of the Barthel Index in Brazilian cancer patients in palliative care. Methods We included patients with cancer, both sexes, and age greater than or equal to 18 years. We used to evaluate patients the Barthel Index, Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS), and European Organization for Research in the Treatment of Cancer Questionnaire-core 15 (EORTC-QLQ-C15-PAL). The measurement properties evaluated in this study were test–retest and inter-rater reliability and construct validity (tested by means of correlations with other instruments). Results We included 220 patients for construct validity and a subsample of 27 patients for reliability analyses. We observed adequate reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient ≥ 0.962) and internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.942). There were adequate correlations between the Barthel Index and the KPS (rho = 0.766), and the functional capacity domain of the EORTC-QLQ-C15-PAL (rho = -0.698). Conclusion The Brazilian version of the Barthel Index presents adequate test–retest and inter-rater reliability, acceptable internal consistency, and valid construct for measuring functional independence in cancer patients.

Characteristics and clinical challenges in patients with substance use disorder in palliative care—experience from a tertiary center in a high-income country

“…With regard to functional status, our SUD cohort displayed an average Barthel Index score of 43.8 and an average KPS score of 48.1, indicating that more than half of the investigated patients required partial assistance from healthcare professionals for their activities of daily living. Comparing these results to a study from 2022 examining 220 cancer patients in a palliative care setting with a mean Barthel Index score of 72.6 and KPS score of 61.7, we reveal that the patients in our SUD group required greater assistance than standard palliative care patients [ 19 ]. Interestingly, while our SUD patient cohort presented with a better functional ECOG score at admission compared to our standard group, they were still more likely to die on ward, and to die younger compared to the standard group.…”

Five Functional Classes Identified Among Patients Hospitalized for Pneumonia Characterized by Activity Limitations With Mobility and Self-Care Tasks

“…Several previous studies examining functional limitations for patients with pneumonia have used the Modified Barthel Index 33 , 43 , 44 , 45 Although the Modified Barthel Index is a reliable and valid functional assessment tool 46 , 47 used to measure dependence with activities of daily living for a variety of diagnoses, clinical interpretability of the results from the tool are limited to only numeric changes in total scores. 48 In terms of classes composed of individuals with pneumonia, Wittermans et al 49 created classes for patients with pneumonia, but classes were characterized by biomarkers data (eg, plasma concentration of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist) and used to evaluate response to corticosteroids; no functional data were included.…”

Enhancing Physical Function and Activity Level in malnourished Older Adults through Oral Nutrition Supplements: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…A higher score indicates better function. Each item is rated based on whether the patient can perform the task independently, with some assistance, or is dependent on help, as observed (0 = unable, 1 = needs help, 2 = independent) [23].…”