P-144: Reliability and validity of 'the elderly mobility scale' in hospitalized patients

摘要

Introduction: To measure and evaluate physical function and to predict a variety of physical outcomes in older, hospitalized patients, physiotherapists require reliable and valid assessment tools. The Elderly Mobility Scale (EMS) is an assessment tool to evaluate basic mobility and physical function among frail older people. We studied the reliability and validity of the Norwegian version of EMS. Methods: A methodology study based on COSMIN measurement properties which form a solid platform for such studies. 50 geriatric patients admitted to a Hospital in Norway, were included. Mean age was 82 years. The main admission diagnoses were acute functional decline and acute infections. Results: Internal consistency was estimated at 0.88 Cronbach's alpha. Intra-rater reliability is estimated by Weighted Kappa, where 6 out of 7 sub items of EMS show very good consistency and the last sub item shows moderate consistency. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) reflected relative reliability and was estimated at 0.99. The Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) reflected the absolute reliability and is calculated at 0.52. Based on SEM, Minimal Detectable Change (MDC) was calculated with 95% and 90% CI, respectively, at 1.43 and 1.21. Criteria validity is calculated by a correlation analysis between EMS and SPPB and was estimated to 0.75 at Spearman's Rho, which corresponds to a high correlation and indicates a good criteria validity. Key conclusion: The Norwegian version of EMS showed good internal consistency, good to very good reliability and criteria validity, and can safely be used as assessment tool for frail, hospitalized patients.