Protocol for a systematic review evaluating the measurement properties of mobility assessment scales used to evaluate patients in the emergency department.

Abstract

Background: Patient mobility is an indicator of health and a predictor of emergency department discharge readiness. In the emergency department, clinicians need a measure of mobility that is quick and simple to administer, and is valid, reliable and responsive.Aim: To identify all available mobility assessment instruments used to assess patients in the emergency department and summarise their measurement properties.Methods: A systematic search will be performed using the following electronic databases from inception to most recent date: PsycINFO, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE. We will include observational studies or randomised trials including patients aged ≥ 18 years old admitted to the emergency department that were assessed using mobility assessment instruments. Studies that evaluated at least one of the measurement properties will be eligible. We will summarise measurement properties using the (COSMIN) methodology.