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Kenny Self-Care Evaluation
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About Kenny Self-Care Evaluation
Scale Name
Kenny Self-Care Evaluation
Author Details
Herbert A. Schoening, Iver A. Iversen, and Staff of the Sister Kenny Institute
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Kenny Self-Care Evaluation, originally developed by Herbert A. Schoening and colleagues in 1965 and revised in 1973, is a clinician-rated scale designed to assess functional independence in activities of daily living (ADLs) among adults with physical disabilities, particularly those in rehabilitation settings such as post-polio, stroke, or spinal cord injury patients. Published by the Sister Kenny Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the scale evaluates 17 tasks across six domains: Bed Activities (e.g., position changes), Transfers (e.g., bed to chair), Locomotion (e.g., walking, wheelchair use), Dressing, Personal Hygiene, and Feeding. It aims to quantify self-care status to guide rehabilitation planning and measure progress.
Each task is rated on a 5-point scale (0 = completely dependent to 4 = independent), based on observation and patient/caregiver interviews. Total scores range from 0–68, with higher scores indicating greater independence. The revised version (1973) was validated with approximately 100–200 rehabilitation patients (mean age ≈ 40–60 years, mixed gender, U.S.-based), showing that scores ≥50 correlate with discharge to home. It correlates with the Barthel Index (r ≈ 0.70–0.85) and PULSES Profile (r ≈ 0.65–0.80). The scale is used in rehabilitation medicine, physical therapy, and clinical psychology to assess functional capacity and inform treatment. Access requires permission from the Sister Kenny Institute or Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the scale from Iversen et al. (1973) or authorized sources (e.g., Sister Kenny Institute, Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation), ensuring ethical permissions.
- Explain to participants (adults with physical disabilities) or caregivers that the scale assesses daily functioning, emphasizing confidentiality and voluntary participation.
- Administer the 17-item scale in a clinical or rehabilitation setting via observation and interview, rating each task based on the patient’s current performance.
- Estimated completion time is 15–20 minutes, depending on assessment depth.
- Ensure a private, supportive environment; provide rehabilitation resources (e.g., support services) and adapt for accessibility (e.g., simplified instructions) if needed.
Reliability and Validity
The Kenny Self-Care Evaluation demonstrates acceptable psychometric properties (Schoening et al., 1965; Iversen et al., 1973). Internal consistency is moderate to high (Cronbach’s alpha ≈ 0.80–0.90), based on samples of 100–200 rehabilitation patients. Inter-rater reliability is strong (r ≈ 0.85–0.95), supported by standardized scoring criteria. Test-retest reliability is moderate to high (r ≈ 0.75–0.90 over 1–2 weeks).
Convergent validity is evidenced by correlations with the Barthel Index (r ≈ 0.70–0.85), PULSES Profile (r ≈ 0.65–0.80), and Functional Independence Measure (r ≈ 0.60–0.80). Criterion validity is shown by its ability to predict rehabilitation outcomes (e.g., discharge to home for scores ≥50) and sensitivity to functional changes post-intervention. Discriminant validity is supported by weak correlations with cognitive measures (r < 0.20). Pairing with the Barthel Index or Lawton IADL Scale enhances comprehensive functional assessment.
Available Versions
85-Items
Reference
Schoening, H. A. (1965). Numerical scoring of self-care status of patients. Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 46, 689-697.
HA, S. (1968). Numerical Scoring of self care status: a study of Kenny Self-care Evaluation. Arch Phys Med Rehabil.
Demers, L., & Giroux, F. (1997). Validité de la Mesure de l’Indépendance Fonctionnelle (MIF) pour les personnes âgées suivies en réadapation. Canadian Journal on Aging/La revue canadienne du vieillissement, 16(4), 626-646.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Kenny Self-Care Evaluation measure?
It measures functional independence in 17 ADL tasks across six domains for adults with physical disabilities.
Who is the target population?
Adults in rehabilitation settings, particularly with post-polio, stroke, or spinal cord injuries.
How long does it take to administer?
Approximately 15–20 minutes.
Can it inform interventions?
Yes, it assesses functional status to guide rehabilitation and predict care needs.
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