DO FUNCTIONAL ABILITY MEASURES IMPROVE THE ACCURACY OF A 12-MONTH MORTALITY PREDICTION MODEL?
2024

Improving Mortality Prediction in Older Adults

Sample size: 6625 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Luth Elizabeth, Bowles Kathryn, Brickner Carlin, Gao Oude, Rakotoarivelo Harivony

Primary Institution: Rutgers University

Hypothesis

Do functional ability measures improve the accuracy of a 12-month mortality prediction model?

Conclusion

Functional ability measures like physical therapy were linked to lower odds of death, while respiratory support was linked to higher odds.

Supporting Evidence

  • Of the 6625 Medicare Advantage plan members, 186 (4.6%) died the following year.
  • Having PT/OT was associated with 24% lower odds of death.
  • Receiving respiratory support was associated with 45% higher odds of death.
  • ADL support, feeding support, and skilled nursing were not associated with death.

Takeaway

This study looked at how different types of help for older adults can predict if they might die in the next year. Some types of help, like physical therapy, can actually lower the chances of dying.

Methodology

Multivariable logistic regression tested associations between five functional ability measures and death for Medicare Advantage plan members.

Limitations

Functional ability measures were not directly measured in claims data.

Participant Demographics

32% Black, 32% White, 9% Asian, 26% Other races; 37% Hispanic/Latino; 69% female; average age of 73.5 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Confidence Interval

95%CI: 0.62-0.85

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.2245

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