Mobility screening in the elderly and resulting referral

The aims of this study were to test the usefulness of the Royal College of General Practitioners' (RCGP) mobility screening questionnaire in Irish general practice and to use it to assess the level of mobility problems in the over-75 year old population. Questionnaire screening survey in six faculty areas of the Irish College of General Practitioners(ICGP) well-spread geographically to be representative of the Irish population. Participants were a random sample of 627 people aged 75 years or over, from the General Medical Services list of 92 volunteer general practitioners. The Royal College of General Practitioners' screening questionnaire for mobility was administered by each person's doctor. Suggested interventions were also noted. 92% felt able to get around the house independently, with 78% able to manage stairs independently. The commonest aid to mobility was a stick, used by 27%. Mental impairment was closely associated with inability to get around the house (86% of those not independent around the house scored less than 8 on the Abbreviated Mental Test Score). Analysis of referral patterns indicated possible deficiencies in the availability of physiotherapy in certain areas. The RCGP mobility screening questionnaire was easy to use, and helpful in detecting problems which might require attention.