Remote assessment and management of physical function in older adults (RAMP): An international expert Delphi process

Via JD, Hurst C, Dent E, Fyfe JJ, Jansons P, Hayes EJ, Sim M, Aubertin-Leheudre M, de Lima AB, Bohn L, Britting S, Buckinx F, Connolly G, Giangregorio L, Henriques-Neto D, Jones JR, Kob R, Morin SN, N G, Orssatto LB, Pearson M, Pinto D, Reijnierse EM, Said CM, Salem M, Skinner G, Tan VP, Tran R, Zanker J, Daly RM, Scott D (2026)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2026

Journal

Book Volume: 147

Article Number: 106266

DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2026.106266

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.

Authors with CRIS profile

Involved external institutions

Deakin University Australia (AU) University of Waikato New Zealand (NZ) Northumbria University United Kingdom (GB) Edith Cowan University Australia (AU) Newcastle University United Kingdom (GB) Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) Canada (CA) Universidade Nilton Lins Brazil (BR) Universidade do Porto Portugal (PT) Cedars-Sinai Medical Center United States (USA) (US) University of Waterloo (UW) Canada (CA) University Institute of Maia – ISMAI / Instituto Universitário da Maia Portugal (PT) The University of Melbourne Australia (AU) Manipal College of Health Professions India (IN) University of Queensland Australia (AU) Marquette University United States (USA) (US) Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences Netherlands (NL) Active Ageing and Community Care (AACC) Malta (MT) University of Science Malaysia (USM) / Universiti Sains Malaysia Malaysia (MY) Northern Sydney Local Health District Australia (AU)

How to cite

APA:

Via, J.D., Hurst, C., Dent, E., Fyfe, J.J., Jansons, P., Hayes, E.J.,... 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. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2026.106266

MLA:

Via, Jack Dalla, et al. "Remote assessment and management of physical function in older adults (RAMP): An international expert Delphi process." Archives of gerontology and geriatrics 147 (2026).

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