Identification of Key Evaluation Items for Pre-Home Assessment

This study aimed to identify the critical evaluation items to be collected before conducting home assessments. These items are expected to enhance the accuracy and relevance of home modification proposals, facilitating better patient outcomes upon discharge.

A three-stage process was employed. Initially, a brainstorming session was conducted with two groups, each consisting of three physical therapists (n = 6,) to generate potential evaluation items categorized into relevant groups. Subsequently, 11 therapists participated in a Delphi survey, using an 11-point Likert scale to assess the importance of each item. The consensus criterion for the Delphi method was set at 80%．

The Delphi survey identified several evaluation items considered essential for collection prior to home assessments. In addition to basic housing information regarding whether the home is rented or owned, understanding the patient's functional prognosis, the feasibility of modifications covered by long-term care insurance, and obtaining consent for modifications from the patient and their family were deemed important. Consensus was reached on the importance of evaluating the patient's daily living activities and long-term mobility, as well as understanding family preferences for the home environment．

This study identified several critical evaluation items to be collected before conducting home assessments. These items extend beyond basic housing details to include essential information about patient needs, insurance limitations, and family agreements. These results underscore the importance of comprehensive pre-assessment data collection to ensure that proposed modifications are appropriate and feasible.

The results of this study provide a foundation for developing a standardized pre-assessment form for home assessment. These forms will guide therapists in collecting necessary information, thereby improving the quality and effectiveness of home modification proposals. This approach may lead to better patient outcomes by ensuring that modifications are tailored to individual needs and circumstances and by enhancing collaboration between patients, families, and healthcare providers.