Surrogate assessment of coronary artery disease patientsʹ functional capacity

An investigation of the surrogate assessment of coronary artery disease (CAD) patientsʹ functional capacity was conducted using 193 patient and surrogate rater dyads. Mean age of patients and surrogate raters were 60.4 and 54.4 years, respectively. Patients and surrogates independently completed a brief questionnaire that assessed health and psychosocial factors. The Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) was contained in the patientsʹ questionnaire, while a similar form modified to assess patientsʹ functional capacity was imbedded in the surrogatesʹ questionnaire. Results indicated similar psychometric characteristics and clinical validity for patientsʹ self-report and surrogatesʹ ratings, suggesting that the Surrogate Rating Form of the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI-SRF) is a reliable and valid proxy method of assessing patientʹs functional capacity when this information may not be obtained directly from the patient. Further, while there were no effects of surrogatesʹ health and psychological characteristics on their ratings of patientsʹ functional capacity, in comparison with other surrogates, spouses were more likely to rate patients higher in functional capacity. Exploration of the patient/care provider relationship via concurrent use of the DASI and DASI-SRF is discussed.