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Karnofsky Scale
The Karnofsky scale (sometimes called the Karnofsky index) was devised by two American physicians in the 1940s (David Karnofsky and Joseph Burchenal) as an attempt to measure the more 'subjective' side of the outcome of cancer treatment.
The scale relates purely to physical ability and covers 11 points, from normal health to death, each scored as a percentage.
| Physical Ability | Percent |
|---|---|
| Normal health | 100% |
| Minor symptoms | 90% |
| Normal activity with some effort | 80% |
| Unable to carry on normal activity but able to care for onself | 70% |
| Requires occasional help with personal needs | 60% |
| Disabled | 50% |
| Requires considerable assistance and medical care | 40% |
| Severely disabled, in hospital | 30% |
| Very sick, active support needed | 20% |
| Moribund (near death) | 10% |
| Death | 0% |
Updated: December 11, 2023