Volume 12, Issue 1 (Autumn 2025)
IJRN 2025, 12(1): 0-0 |
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Jahani Tabesh S, Arsalani N, Shirozhan S, Nourozi K, Vahedi M, Nozari Mirarkalaie M. Comparison of the Barthel Index and Northwick Park Dependency Scale (NPDS-H) in Assessing the Functional Status of Hospitalized Neurological Patients. IJRN 2025; 12 (1) : 9
URL: http://ijrn.ir/article-1-969-en.html
URL: http://ijrn.ir/article-1-969-en.html
Sona Jahani Tabesh Mrs 
, Narges Arsalani Dr * , Shima Shirozhan Dr , Kian Nourozi Dr , Mohsen Vahedi Dr , Mitra Nozari Mirarkalaie Mrs
, Narges Arsalani Dr * , Shima Shirozhan Dr , Kian Nourozi Dr , Mohsen Vahedi Dr , Mitra Nozari Mirarkalaie Mrs
Associate Professor, Iranian Research Center of Aging, Department of Nursing, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran nargesarsalani@gmail.com
Abstract: (701 Views)
Introduction: Assessment of functional dependency levels in neurological patients plays an important role in nursing care planning and resource allocation in rehabilitation centers. The Barthel Index is a simple tool for measuring daily activities, whereas the Northwick Park Dependency Scale – Hospital Version (NPDS-H), with its multidimensional structure, assesses more complex care needs. The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency, correlation, and agreement between these two instruments in hospitalized neurological patients.
Methods: This descriptive–analytical study was conducted in 2025 at Rofaydeh Hospital in Tehran. Forty patients with neurological disorders were selected through convenience sampling. Patient assessments were independently performed by two trained nurses using the Barthel Index and the NPDS-H. The interval between the two assessments was one day. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC).
Results: A significant inverse correlation was observed between the Barthel Index and NPDS-H scores (r = –0.78, p < 0.001). The mean Barthel score was 29.5 (±15.4), and the mean NPDS-H score was 37.9 (±10.2). The score range for the Barthel Index was 0 to 70, and for the NPDS-H, it was 18 to 58. The inter-rater agreement, based on the ICC, was reported to be above 0.99.
Conclusion: The NPDS-H, with its multidimensional structure and coverage of specialized care needs, provides higher accuracy in assessing functional dependency. The concurrent use of this tool alongside the Barthel Index can enhance nursing decision-making and support person-centered rehabilitation planning.
Methods: This descriptive–analytical study was conducted in 2025 at Rofaydeh Hospital in Tehran. Forty patients with neurological disorders were selected through convenience sampling. Patient assessments were independently performed by two trained nurses using the Barthel Index and the NPDS-H. The interval between the two assessments was one day. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC).
Results: A significant inverse correlation was observed between the Barthel Index and NPDS-H scores (r = –0.78, p < 0.001). The mean Barthel score was 29.5 (±15.4), and the mean NPDS-H score was 37.9 (±10.2). The score range for the Barthel Index was 0 to 70, and for the NPDS-H, it was 18 to 58. The inter-rater agreement, based on the ICC, was reported to be above 0.99.
Conclusion: The NPDS-H, with its multidimensional structure and coverage of specialized care needs, provides higher accuracy in assessing functional dependency. The concurrent use of this tool alongside the Barthel Index can enhance nursing decision-making and support person-centered rehabilitation planning.
Article number: 9
Keywords: Functional dependency, neurological patients, Barthel Index, NPDS-H, rehabilitation, nursing care
Type of Study: Applicable |
Subject:
Rehabilitation Nursing
Received: 2025/06/12 | Accepted: 2025/09/4 | Published: 2025/10/19
Received: 2025/06/12 | Accepted: 2025/09/4 | Published: 2025/10/19
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