A Physical Therapy Mobility Checkup for Older Adults: Feasibility and Participant Preferences From a Discrete Choice Experiment

Authors

Dalerie Lieberz, The College of St. ScholasticaFollow
Hannah Borgeson, St. Luke's Medical ClinicFollow
Steven Dobson, Therapeutic Associates Physical TherapyFollow
Lindsey Ewings, The College of St. ScholasticaFollow
Karen Johnson, Big Stone Therapies, Inc.Follow
Kori Klaysmat, The College of St. ScholasticaFollow
Abby Schultz, The College of St. ScholasticaFollow
Rachel Tasson, The College of St. ScholasticaFollow
Alexandra L. Borstad, The College of St. ScholasticaFollow

Publication Date

1-17-2022

Keywords

mobility disability, older adults, preclinical, preventive care, healthy aging, routine care, patient preferences

Abstract

Purpose: Physical performance measures, like walking speed, identify and predict preclinical mobility disability but are rarely used in routine medical care. A preventive model of care called Mobility Checkup is being designed to reduce mobility disability in older adults. This study had two purposes: 1) determine feasibility and outcomes of the Mobility Checkup, and 2) identify preferences of older adults regarding this model of care using a discrete choice experiment.

Methods: Adults over 55 years of age were recruited from the community. In the study’s first phase, participants completed a Mobility Checkup, with feasibility evaluated using 6 criteria. In the second phase, a new sample of older adults (> 55 years old) were educated about the Mobility Checkup and then completed a discrete choice experiment to determine their preferences regarding 4 attributes of this care model: cost, visit duration, desired education topic, and style of educational graphic.

Results: Each study phase was completed by 31 participants. Of the 6 feasibility criteria, 5 were met. Visit duration exceeded the 60-minute criteria for 13 of the 31 participants. Still, 91% of participants were very satisfied with the Mobility Checkup. Ability to transition positions identified preclinical mobility disability most frequently. A 30-minute visit with no out-of-pocket cost was deemed preferred.

Conclusions: Older adults value knowing what physical performance measurements predict about their general health. Transitions should be evaluated as part of a Mobility Checkup for older adults. Clearly conveyed cost of health care service is important to older adult consumers.

Recommended Citation

Lieberz D, Borgeson H, Dobson S, Ewings L, Johnson K, Klaysmat K, Schultz A, Tasson R, Borstad AL. A physical therapy Mobility Checkup for older adults: feasibility and participant preferences from a discrete choice experiment. J Patient Cent Res Rev. 2022;9:24-34. doi: 10.17294/2330-0698.1874