title: Physical Function Does Not Predict Care Assessment Need Score in Older Veterans.
abstract: Objective:The Veterans Health Administration's Care Assessment Need (CAN) score is a statistical model, aimed to predict high-risk patients. We were interested in determining if a relationship existed between physical function and CAN scores.Method:Seventy-four older (71 ± 1 years) male Veterans underwent assessment of CAN score and subjective (Short Form-36 [SF-36]) and objective (self-selected walking speed, four square step test, short physical performance battery) assessment of physical function.Results:Approximately 25% of participants self-reported limitations performing lower intensity activities, while 70% to 90% reported limitations with more strenuous activities. When compared with cut points indicative of functional limitations, 35% to 65% of participants had limitations for each of the objective measures. Any measure of subjective or objective physical function did not predict CAN score.Conclusion:These data indicate that the addition of a physical function assessment may complement the CAN score in the identification of high-risk patients.
authors.affiliation: Baltimore VA Medical Center, MD, USA.|University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
authors.forename: Monica C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Serra
authors.affiliation: Baltimore VA Medical Center, MD, USA.|University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
authors.forename: Odessa
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Addison
authors.affiliation: Baltimore VA Medical Center, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Jamie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Giffuni
authors.affiliation: Baltimore VA Medical Center, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Lydia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Paden
authors.affiliation: Durham VA Medical Center, NC, USA.|Duke University, NC, USA.
authors.forename: Miriam C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Morey
authors.affiliation: Baltimore VA Medical Center, MD, USA.|University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
authors.forename: Leslie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Katzel
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D015142:Baltimore; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D015444:Exercise; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D004856:Postural Balance; D018570:Risk Assessment; D057566:Self Report; D014728:Veterans / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: SPPB; Veteran; activities of daily living; aging; disability; gait speed; mobility function; subjective physical function