Interactive voice response version of the late-life function and disability instrument

Objectives To develop an interactive voice response (IVR) version of the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument Computer Adaptive Test (LLFDI-CAT) and to evaluate its reliability and acceptability in older adults. Design The IVR system was embedded within the LLFDI-CAT program. To test the test-retest reliability and concordance of the IVR version of LLFDI-CAT with the telephone interviewer form (TIF), participants received the two versions of the LLFDI at baseline and at 1-week follow-up. Setting Community. Participants Community-dwelling adults aged 65 and older (N = 50). Measurements The LLFDI is a self-reported outcome measure developed to assess function and disability in older adults. Results The IVR version of the LLFDI-CAT showed acceptable overall test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.79-0.80) and concordance (ICC = 0.74-0.97) with the TIF. Although most participants preferred the TIF, the majority did not find the IVR version more difficult to use. Conclusion The IVR version of the LLFDI-CAT achieved reliability levels that were comparable with those of the TIF version. Future work is needed to improve the IVR design to better fit older adults' needs and preferences.