Which assessment tool is commonly used to evaluate mobility in ICU patients?

The Barthel Index is a widely recognized assessment tool specifically designed to measure mobility and functional independence in patients. It evaluates the ability of an individual to perform basic activities of daily living, such as eating, bathing, dressing, and walking. This tool is particularly important in an ICU setting where patients may experience significant limitations in mobility due to critical illness, prolonged bed rest, or postoperative recovery.

While other tools mentioned have their own specific uses, they do not focus primarily on mobility assessment. For instance, the Glasgow Coma Scale assesses consciousness and neurological function rather than mobility. The Braden Scale is used to predict pressure sore risk by evaluating sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction, which, while important, do not directly evaluate mobility. The Morse Fall Scale is used to assess the risk of falls, which is related to mobility but does not provide a detailed assessment of a patient's functional capabilities in daily activities. Thus, the Barthel Index is the most appropriate and commonly used tool in the context of evaluating mobility among ICU patients.