MOBILITY ASSESSMENT AND NURSING THEORY: HUNGARIAN VALIDATION OF DEMMI AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK DEVELOPMENT WITHIN OREM’S THEORY
Gyombolai Zsigmond
Health Sciences
Dr. Nagy Zoltán Zsolt
SE- Egészségtudományi Kar, 138-as terem
2026-05-14 11:00:00
Theoretical and preclinical health sciences
Dr. Lenti Katalin
Dr. Kovács Éva
Dr. Földvári-Nagy László
Fehérné Dr. Kiss Anna
Dr. Balogh Zoltán
Dr. Kocsis László Lajos
Dr. Hock Márta
Introduction: Mobility assessment and nursing theories are established fields in geriatric care, however are not well-integrated, limiting optimal care planning and use of resources. This thesis proposes a conceptual framework to bridge that gap, by using de Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI) as an assessment tool within Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory.
Aims: The aim was to develop a conceptual framework for potential integration. For this the main objectives were: 1) cross-culturally adapt and validate the DEMMI in Hungary, 2) examine the relationship of DEMMI and other indicators of self-care, and 3) make propositions for integration based on the theoretical alignments with Orem’s nursing systems.
Methods: The cultural adaptation followed the standard procedure set by Beaton et al. (2000), and the instrument was validated with 158 elderly in long-term care. The clinical application study included 209 participants, and investigated the correlations between DEMMI-based mobility categories and functional indicators relevant to self-care capacity (Barthel Index, MMSE, physical performance, fear of falling). For the theoretical part, the conceptual framework development methodology was utilized.
Results: HU-DEMMI was found to be a reliable instrument with excellent construct validity. Systematic, progressive patterns were uncovered across mobility categories and their relationship to measures of functional capacity. The conceptual framework development revealed that the very low mobility category aligned with a wholly compensatory nursing system, low to moderately reduced mobility corresponded with partially compensatory, and independent mobility with supportive-educative nursing systems.
Conclusions: This thesis presents studies on the Hungarian adaptation and clinical application of DEMMI, and offers empirical foundations for the integration potential of refined mobility assessment to theoretical nursing frameworks, opening up the possibility for more efficient care planning and resource allocation. Further intervention studies are necessary for validation, however, this thesis can serve as a guide for future implementation.
