Answer:
The essential feature of multidimensional assessment is that it is an
overall package of different assessments with the objective of reducing
disability and dependency and hence improving quality of life. However,
a drawback of studies of multidimensional assessment is that it is
difficult to attribute the benefits (if any) to a particular component of the
package, or to examine the benefit of specific components of the
package. Most studies have not provided sufficient data to examine
separately different types of assessment. The benefits of screening for
visual impairment in elderly people have recently been reviewed by
Smeeth and colleagues27
as part of a Cochrane effectiveness review.
There has been no randomised trial assessing the effectiveness of vision
screening alone in elderly people. Five multidimensional assessment
trials provided the reviewers with data on visual outcomes at least 6
months after the intervention.All the studies used self-reported vision problems which have low
sensitivity. None of the studies provided more detailed data on process,
such as the medical reasons for poor vision, referral recommendations,
uptake and barriers to uptake.
