Screening seniors for risk of functional decline: results of a survey in family practice.
OBJECTIVE
To measure functional status, determine risk of functional decline and assess consistency between responses and standardized instruments.


METHODS
A mailed survey which measured functional impairment, recent hospitalization and bereavement. A positive response on at least one of these factors indicated that the individual was "at risk" for functional decline. A random sample (n = 73) of "at risk" subjects (specifically, family practice patients aged 70 and older) were assessed by a nurse.


RESULTS
The response rate was 89% (369/415), 59% of seniors were female and the mean age was 77.1 (SD = 5.5) years. Self-reported risk, based on activities of daily living (ADLs), was associated with impairment in at least one basic ADL (p < 0.0005) using a standardized instrument. The positive predictive value of the survey for ADL impairment was 65%.


CONCLUSIONS
Response to a mailed survey was high and self-reported ADL risks were consistent with findings from standardized assessment tools.
Dalby
D M
DM
Health Services Delivery Research Unit, St. Joseph's Community Health Centre, Hamilton, ON.
Sellors
J W
JW
Fraser
F D
FD
Fraser
C
C
van Ineveld
C H
CH
Pickard
L
L
Howard
M
M
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009864:Ontario; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires