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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Christopher HurstORCiD
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
© 2026 The Author(s)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.
Author(s): 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 JRA, Kob R, Morin SN, N G, Orssatto LBR, Pearson M, Pinto D, Reijnierse EM, Said CM, Salem M, Skinner G, Tan VP, Tran R, Zanker J, Daly RM, Scott D
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics
Year: 2026
Volume: 147
Print publication date: 01/08/2026
Online publication date: 20/04/2026
Acceptance date: 19/04/2026
Date deposited: 07/05/2026
ISSN (print): 0167-4943
ISSN (electronic): 1872-6976
Publisher: Elsevier Ireland Ltd
URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2026.106266
DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2026.106266
Data Access Statement: The study data may be made available upon reasonable request to the corresponding author.
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