The development, validity, and reliability of the OARS multidimensional functional assessment questionnaire

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Psychometrics
• Healthcare Assessment

Background:

• Assessing functional status is crucial for understanding individual needs in aging populations.
• Existing assessment tools may lack comprehensive multidimensional evaluation.
• The OARS Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire (OARS MFAQ) was developed to address these needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the development of Part A of the OARS MFAQ.
• To establish the validity and reliability of Part A for assessing multidimensional functioning.

Main Methods:

• Content and consensual validity were ensured through the construction process.
• Criterion validity was assessed using objective economic scales, geropsychiatrist interviews, physician associate ratings, and physical therapist ratings.
• Reliability was determined using intraclass correlational coefficients among 11 geographically dispersed raters across research and clinic settings.

Main Results:

• Criterion validity coefficients ranged from .60 (geropsychiatrists) to .89 (physical therapists), with an objective economic scale at .62.
• Intraclass correlational coefficients for inter-rater reliability ranged from .66 (physical health) to .87 (self-care capacity).
• 74% of ratings showed complete agreement, and 24% differed by only one point, indicating high rater consistency.

Conclusions:

• Part A of the OARS MFAQ is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing functioning across social, economic, mental health, physical health, and self-care dimensions.
• The questionnaire provides a dependable tool for researchers and clinicians evaluating functional status in diverse populations.
• High inter-rater reliability supports the consistent application of the OARS MFAQ in various settings.