Measuring impairment with the Barkley functional impairment scales

Abstract

This chapter describes the theoretical basis and rationale for the development of two rating scales of impairment, known as the Barkley Functional Impairment Rating Scales (BFIS), one of which is for adults and the other (BFIS-CA) is for children and adolescents. It further describes the steps used in the development and validation of these scales, including information on the normative sample and the reliability, internal consistency, and various forms of validity of the scales. Evidence to date shows that the scales can provide highly useful information concerning the functional ineffectiveness of individuals in the 15 domains of major life activities assessed by each scale. The scales can be usefully employed not only in initial evaluations of individuals but also in the assessment of change in their impairment status over time as a consequence of development, injury, or interventions.