The measurement of disability by means of summed ADL indices.
The characteristics of ADL indices which provide a total score of disability or capability are described, and the complexity of their rationale is stressed. The technical requirements of a good index in terms of reproducibility and validity are then discussed. It is suggested: (i) that there are some good validated indices available which, within limits, provide reproducible scores; (ii) that until demonstrably better indices are available, more suited to the local national context, workers should use these indices when they need total scores, in preference to devising their own.
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D012494:Sampling Studies