Instruments for Assessing Patient Independence in Self-Care: A Scoping Review

Faculty of Nursing Universitas Padjadjaran Leads Research on Patient Independence in Self-Care

Understanding and measuring patient independence in self-care is a vital component of nursing care, especially in internal medicine, where patients face diverse health challenges. A recent scoping review led by Theresia Eriyani, S.Kep.,Ners.,M.Hkes.and colleagues from the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Padjadjaran , identifies the most effective instruments for assessing patient self-care independence.

This research evaluated nine key tools, including the Barthel Index and the Self-Care Ability Questionnaire, highlighting their reliability, validity, and suitability across clinical contexts. While no single instrument is universally superior, each provides unique strengths tailored to different patient needs.

Stresses that accurately assessing patient independence enables nurses to deliver targeted interventions, promoting autonomy, preventing complications, and improving quality of life for patients with chronic and acute internal medicine conditions.

This work strongly aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, by supporting inclusive, quality healthcare and empowering patients to actively participate in their recovery and health maintenance..

Full article https://doi.org/10.2147/JMDH.S510034