Physical Function Does Not Predict Care Assessment Need Score in Older Veterans. (March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Serra, Monica C.; Addison, Odessa; Giffuni, Jamie; Paden, Lydia; Morey, Miriam C.; Katzel, Leslie
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied gerontology. Volume 38:Number 3(2019)
• Page Start: 412
• Page End: 423
• Publication Date: 2019-03
• Subjects: Veteran -- aging -- disability -- subjective physical function -- mobility function -- gait speed -- SPPB -- activities of daily living; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 362.6
• DOI: 10.1177/0733464817690677
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0733-4648

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.