Which scale can help determine when stroke patients are ready for rehabilitation?

The Barthel Index is designed to evaluate a patient's ability to perform daily activities and self-care tasks, making it particularly useful for assessing functional independence in stroke patients. This scale provides a systematic way to measure key tasks such as eating, bathing, dressing, and mobility, which are critical components of rehabilitation readiness. By scoring patients on their ability to carry out these tasks, healthcare providers can gauge the level of assistance the patient might need, their progress in recovery, and when they might transition to rehabilitation services. Consequently, the Barthel Index serves as an essential tool in determining the rehabilitation potential and readiness of stroke patients, guiding care plans effectively.

The other scales mentioned, while valuable in their respective contexts, serve different purposes. The Mini-Mental State Examination primarily assesses cognitive function, the Glasgow Coma Scale evaluates consciousness level following a brain injury, and the Fugl-Meyer Assessment focuses on motor function, balance, and sensory capabilities in stroke survivors. None of these instruments specifically address the readiness for rehabilitation as directly as the Barthel Index does.