Older Adults’ Functional Level on Admission Predicts Survival

A high score on the Barthel index, which measures activities of daily living, was a strong independent predictor of survival for older adult patients admitted to an acute geriatric unit, found a study published online June 25, 2015, in BMC Geriatrics. Staff members determined patients’ Barthel index scores within 48 hours of admission by assessing their mobility, bowel function, bladder function, and grooming, as well as their ability to climb stairs, transfer, eat, bathe, and use the toilet. Researchers followed 5,087 patients and found that the average duration of stay was eight days.