This study seeks to determine whether a significantly more affordable geriatric simulation suit will produce the same level of increased objective and subjective task difficulty as a commercial suit.
To compare the effectiveness of two geriatric simulation suits in inducing age-related physical restrictions, participants were pseudo-randomly assigned to don a suit (commercial vs cost-effective) and then completed a battery of 10 physical performance measures. Objective task performance and subjective difficulty ratings were recorded for each task.
A MANOVA showed significant differences in subjective difficulty ratings between suits for sit to stand, penny pickup, 360-degree turn, 100 ft walk, and floor transfer (all p’s .05). The commercial suit group perceived the penny pickup as being harder and the other tasks as being easier compared to the cost-effective suit group. Another MANOVA showed a significant difference in performance between suits for the book lift, penny pickup, floor transfer, and left/right single leg stance (all p’s .05). The cost-effective suit group was faster at the book lift and penny pickup, and slower at the floor transfer compared to the commercial suit group. The cost-effective group also had shorter left/right single leg stance times compared to the commercial suit group. Finally, the relationship between perceived level of difficulty and physical performance, controlling for suit, was assessed. Perceived difficulty was positively correlated with donning/doffing the hospital gown, and floor transfer, with time to complete these tasks increasing as perceived difficulty increased (all p’s .05).
The results demonstrate that a cost-effective geriatric simulation suit was comparable on most physical performance measures compared to a commercial suit, showing that less expensive suits can: 1) simulate age-related physical limitations at a similar level to a more expensive suit, and 2) be a good alternative for clinics and schools looking for a simulation suit.
Secondary to an aging population in the much of the world, it is inevitable that the healthcare system will be encumbered by the high demand for services necessary to sustain longevity. Simulating the variety of negative changes that the aging adult may experience is needed to increase awareness, knowledge, and foster empathy, and can lead to better patient management for the older adult population.
Older Adults
Geriatrics
