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Making geriatric assessment work: selecting useful measures
1Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, 6035 Forbes Tower, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA.jessievs+@pitt.edu
Physical Therapy
|May 31, 2001
Summary
Selecting appropriate physical function measures is crucial for community-dwelling older adults to maintain independence. This guide helps clinicians choose reliable and valid tests considering practical and psychometric factors for diverse aging populations.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Physical Therapy
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Physical therapy aims to reduce morbidity and delay loss of independence in older adults.
- Community-dwelling older adults represent a diverse population with varying functional capacities.
- Selecting appropriate assessment tools is vital for effective intervention planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline key considerations for choosing physical function measures for community-dwelling adults aged 65 and older.
- To review 16 commonly used physical function measures based on established literature.
- To provide a framework for applying these measures in clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of 16 physical function measures used in community-dwelling older adults.
- Analysis of measures based on appropriateness for the target population.
- Evaluation of practical aspects of test administration.
- Assessment of psychometric properties, including reliability and validity.
Main Results:
- Three primary issues identified: measure appropriateness, practical administration, and psychometric properties.
- Examples from 16 measures illustrate how these issues apply.
- Scenarios demonstrate application for both well and frail older adults.
Conclusions:
- Informed selection of physical function measures enhances the effectiveness of physical therapy for older adults.
- Consideration of appropriateness, practicality, and psychometrics ensures valid assessments.
- This framework supports tailored interventions to promote independence in aging populations.
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