G. Gosman-hedstrom et E. Svensson, Parallel reliability of the functional independence measure and the Barthel ADL index, DISABIL REH, 22(16), 2000, pp. 702-715
Purpose : The aim of this study was to evaluate the concordance between the
assessments of ADL according to the Functional Independence Measure (FIM)
and the Barthel ADL index (BI) by means of a rank-invariant statistical met
hod.
Method: The construct validity, also called parallel reliability, of FIM an
d BI was assessed on the item level. Two different approaches to condensing
the FIM assessments into 2-4 scale steps on the item level in order to cal
ibrate the two ADL instruments were compared. One was determined by the the
oretical operational definitions and the other defined by the empirical def
initions. The 204 assessments of elderly persons were made three months aft
er stroke by means of interviews.
Results : The parallel reliability of the FIM and the BI on the item level
was strong, both according to the theoretical cut-off levels defined by the
operational definitions and the empirical cut-off levels defined by the ma
rginal distributions.
Conclusions : The concordance between FIM and BI was high. There was a slig
ht difference in favour of the operational definitions. The clinical key el
ements are to have a critical attitude towards ADL instruments; how they ar
e constructed and operationalized. These are important elements in the qual
ity assurance in the everyday work.