J Korean Geriatr Soc.  2002 Dec;6(4):293-298.

Estimating the Validity and Reliability of the Geriatrics Global Support Scale(GGSS) and the Geriatrics Physical Support Scale(GPSS)

• Kim TY
• Kim SY
• Lim BH
• Kwon OY
• Choi NC

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There are many rating scales for assessment of geriatrics. But each of these scales were not sufficient to evaluate comprehensive geriatric assessment, physical and psychologic efforts for care.
METHODS
We developed new scales to comprehensive geriatric assessment for care of geriatric patients. The Geriatrics Physical Support Scale(GPSS) evaluates physical effort consists of 10 areas and the Geriatrics Global Support Scale(GGSS) evaluates general condition of patients consist of 6 areas. Eighty probable and possible AD patients received the Clinical Dementia Rating Rating Scale(CDR), Korearn version of Mini-Mental State Examination(K-MMSE), Barthel Activity of Daily Living Index(B-ADL) GPSS, GGSS. We tested internal consistency, correlation among dementia rating scales.
RESULTS
The GPSS correlated to CDR -0.63(p<0.01), B-ADL -0.90(p<0.01) and the GGSS correlated to CDR -0.60(p<0.01), B-ADL -0.75(p<0.01). The internal consistency were 0.69(GGSS), 0.92(GPSS).
CONCLUSION
The Geriatrics Global Support Scale evaluate general condition of patients and the Geriatrics Physical Support Scale evaluate physical efforts needed for care of geriatric patients. These scales an also brief and easy rating scales to grade degree of caregiver`s burden.

MeSH Terms

Dementia
Geriatric Assessment
Geriatrics*
Humans
Physical Exertion
Reproducibility of Results*
Weights and Measures