The development of a short observation method for the study of the activity and contacts of old people in residential settings.
Data from a non-participant, 'event-sampling', direct observation study of 32 elderly persons in residential care were simplified and re-analysed, with the aim of developing a short, practical method of observation for use in research and training in residential care. A single, nominated hour's observation seemed to fit the data satisfactorily. This method, when applied to data from two newly observed contrasting samples, revealed the same important differences as had been found from a whole day's observation. A practical, short observation method thus emerged for use in research and training.
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000639:trends; D004739:England; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D009043:Motor Activity