Instruments for assessing Person Centered Care in Gerontology.

Background: The assessment of Person Centered Care (PCC) is internationally recognised as an approach of great interest for improving the quality of care of the elderly. The aim of this research is to review the procedures and instruments used in the assessment of services using this approach. Method: The measurement instruments designed to assess elderly care services from PCC were reviewed, particularly residential services, day centers and home help. The main databases, research articles, and specialized websites were consulted. Results: Four observational instruments for the assessment of Person Centered Care are described; five for the assessment of physical space; six aimed at discovering users' opinions; one which records family opinions, and five aimed at professionals, as well as several qualitative tools for self-assessment of centers. Conclusions: Due to the diversity of instruments available for assessing PCC, and in order to avoid partial evaluations of attention, a combined strategy of assessment is recommended as well as integrating these measures into a broader service evaluation which includes the different strands related to care quality.