Incorporating a standardized judgment assessment for older adults into the healthcare system: A national study

Recent research highlights the growing global burden of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults, emphasizing the need for improved methods to assess and support their safety and quality of life. This study builds on prior work to culturally adapt and validate the Verbal Test of Practical Judgment (VPJ) for older adults (VPJ-H) in Israel. This study aimed to validate the assessment in a large and diverse patient sample, and promote its integration into daily healthcare practice.

This was a cross-sectional study. Participants were recruited from eight healthcare facilities throughout the country. Patients were included if they were aged >60 years, had a Montreal Cognitive Assessment score of ≥13 and were literate in Hebrew, Russian or Arabic. After an interrater agreement process, the VPJ-H was administered to all participants, and compared with standardized functional and cognitive instruments currently used in clinical settings.

A total of 133 participants (54% women, mean age 74 years, SD 7.66) were included. A confirmatory factor analysis showed the construct validity of the assessment. No correlation was found with depression, demonstrating discriminant validity. Additionally, positive and significant (P < 0.05) correlations were found between the VPJ-H and the functional and cognitive measures, and between judgement (VPJ-H) and instrumental activities of daily living, showing convergent validity.

This study established the validity of the VPJ-H as a standardized judgment assessment, and, more importantly, took initial steps toward its integration into healthcare systems, highlighting the need for future research on implementation across clinical settings. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2025; 25: 1488-1494.