Patient and Healthcare Provider Perceptions of Handgrip Strength in an Internal Medicine Resident Clinic

Background: Handgrip strength (HGS) is strongly recommended for use in clinical settings because it is a convenient assessment of muscle strength and a robust prognostic indicator of health. However, it may lack use in clinical settings, and may not be well understood by healthcare providers and patients. We sought to determine the healthcare provider and patient perceptions of HGS in an internal medicine resident clinic. Methods: Healthcare providers were presented with didactic sessions for HGS and engaged in routine follow-up meetings. HGS was measured on eligible older adult patients during an approximately 9-month phased study period. Both healthcare providers and patients were asked to complete a questionnaire with 10-point Likert scale response items regarding their experiences with HGS. Results were presented as descriptive. Results: Overall, patients had a positive perception of HGS, as they understood HGS instructions (score: 9.8 ± 0.7), their results (score: 9.5 ± 1.3), and found value in HGS for their health (score: 8.4 ± 2.3). However, healthcare providers were generally neutral about HGS, such that at study end HGS was viewed as moderately valuable for their practice (score: 6.0 ± 2.1) and patients (score: 6.0 ± 2.1). Conclusions: Overall, patients had a positive perception of HGS, but healthcare providers were neutral. Our findings should be used to guide HGS for possible implementation and quality management in appropriate healthcare settings.