Abstract
Objective
This study aims to link the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), both for the individual items and for the scoring system. This in order to 1) develop a uniform language in research and practice, and to 2) improve communication and understanding between health professionals.
Methods
A psychometrical study was carried out based on data from a prospective observational study in older persons. All items of the MMSE were converted to corresponding ICF-categories. Scores on individual items were transformed according to their relative weight on the original MMSE-scale and a total score from 0 (no problem) to 100 (complete problem) was generated.
Results
Data of 217 cognitively healthy older adults, 60 persons with Mild Cognitive Impairment, 60 patients with mild Alzheimer disease (AD) and 60 persons with severe AD were included. The MMSE scores varied from 3 to 30. A paired non-parametrical technique was used to compare the MMSE and the ICF-based MMSE. The Pearson Correlation coefficient was .994 (p<0.01). Results show that the 'new language' can successfully be applied. Diagnostic groups were divided over the MMSE-ICF groups as expected (no problem:71, mild problem: 207, moderate problem: 53, severe problem: 64, complete problem: 2).
Conclusion
The results indicate that it is possible to adapt existing assessment tools to the categories and scale of the ICF. This enhance interdisciplinary communication and provide clarity in assessment, since clinicians and researchers will better be aware of the areas covered by the instruments.
This study aims to link the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), both for the individual items and for the scoring system. This in order to 1) develop a uniform language in research and practice, and to 2) improve communication and understanding between health professionals.
Methods
A psychometrical study was carried out based on data from a prospective observational study in older persons. All items of the MMSE were converted to corresponding ICF-categories. Scores on individual items were transformed according to their relative weight on the original MMSE-scale and a total score from 0 (no problem) to 100 (complete problem) was generated.
Results
Data of 217 cognitively healthy older adults, 60 persons with Mild Cognitive Impairment, 60 patients with mild Alzheimer disease (AD) and 60 persons with severe AD were included. The MMSE scores varied from 3 to 30. A paired non-parametrical technique was used to compare the MMSE and the ICF-based MMSE. The Pearson Correlation coefficient was .994 (p<0.01). Results show that the 'new language' can successfully be applied. Diagnostic groups were divided over the MMSE-ICF groups as expected (no problem:71, mild problem: 207, moderate problem: 53, severe problem: 64, complete problem: 2).
Conclusion
The results indicate that it is possible to adapt existing assessment tools to the categories and scale of the ICF. This enhance interdisciplinary communication and provide clarity in assessment, since clinicians and researchers will better be aware of the areas covered by the instruments.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 43-44 |
Number of pages | 2 |
Journal | Tijdschrift voor Gerontologie en Geriatrie |
Volume | 41 |
Publication status | Published - 2010 |
Keywords
- FRAILTY
- DEMENTIA
- ICF
- ELDERLY