Author Identifier (ORCID)
Jack Dalla Via: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1815-0838
Marc Sim: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5166-0605
Abstract
Background: Remote methods may help older adults improve their physical function, but understanding the perspectives of experts who deliver this care is critical. This modified Delphi process aimed to develop expert consensus on effectiveness, feasibility and implementation of remote assessment and management of physical function in older adults. Methods: This online Delphi process included experts involved in supporting older adults to maintain or improve their health. The Round 1 survey presented 33 Delphi statements assessed using an 11-point Likert scale (0–10; ≥7 indicated agreement). Statements with strong (≥80 %), moderate (50–<80 %) and low (<50 %) agreement were accepted, revised, or rejected, respectively. Revised statements were presented in Round 2, and accepted statements were consolidated into key messages. Results: In total, 108 respondents (67 % female; mean [SD] age 41.4 [10.9] years) from 16 countries (five continents) completed Round 1. Fourteen statements were accepted (88–100 % agreement) and 10 were rejected (8–39 % agreement). The remaining nine statements (52–69 % agreement) were revised, and two new statements were developed for Round 2, which was completed by 89 (82 %) respondents. Five Round 2 statements were accepted (82–93 % agreement). Seven key messages were developed from 19 accepted statements, highlighting that remote care should be accessible to older adults with requisite capabilities, is feasible for older adults and health professionals with adequate support and training, and requires guidelines, policies, and further research to support wider adoption. Conclusions: The findings of this Delphi process can inform the implementation of remote care approaches for assessing and managing physical function in older adults.
Keywords
Aged, consensus, delivery of healthcare, Delphi technique, physical examination, physical fitness, technology
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
8-1-2026
Volume
147
Publication Title
Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics
Publisher
Elsevier
School
Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute / School of Medical and Health Sciences
Funders
This research was supported by a Deakin University Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN) Seed Grant (2023). DS is supported by an National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Investigator Grant (GNT1174886). MSi is supported by an Emerging Leader Fellowship from the Future Health Research & Innovation Fund, Department of Health, Western Australia. CH is supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre (reference: NIHR203309). The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care. MAL is supported by a T1 Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Canadian Research Chair.
Grant Number
NHMRC Number : GNT1174886
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Comments
Via, J. D., Hurst, C., Dent, E., Fyfe, J. J., Jansons, P., Hayes, E. J., Sim, M., Aubertin-Leheudre, M., De Lima, A. B., Bohn, L., Britting, S., Buckinx, F., Connolly, G., Giangregorio, L., Henriques-Neto, D., Jones, J. R., Kob, R., Morin, S. N., N, G., . . . Scott, D. (2026). Remote assessment and management of physical function in older adults (RAMP): An international expert Delphi process. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 147, 106266. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2026.106266