Collaborative Development of an Older Adult Experience Survey for Specialized Geriatric Services

Abstract

Background: While generic, site, and disease-specific patient experience surveys exist, such surveys have limited relevance to frail, medically complex older adults attending appointment-based specialized geriatric services (SGS). The study objective was to develop and evaluate a patient experience survey specific to this population.

Methods: Using established survey research methods, this study was conducted collaboratively with older adults (patients and family members/friends) at three Ontario sites offering SGS. The study was done in three phases: Phase One-literature review, evidence alignment, and operationalization of core survey items; Phase Two-cognitive interviews and refinement; and Phase Three-pilot testing, survey item analysis, and refinement.

Results: Based on an evidence-informed framework, the "Older Adult Experience Survey" includes 12 core items, two global rating items, two open-ended questions, and two demographic questions. The summed 12 core items demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha: 0.83), and the correlation between the summed score and a global question was 0.59, providing evidence of construct validity. The survey also demonstrated face and content validity.

Conclusion: This open access, collaboratively developed, psychometrically sound patient experience survey can be used to assess, then improve, the clinical experience and quality of care of older adults attending appointment-based SGS clinics/programs.

Keywords: appointment-based; frail older adults; patient experience; specialized geriatric services; survey.