Testing a Tool to Assess Everyday Living Skills in People with Severe Mental Illness in Hong Kong

What is it about?

This study adapted the University of California San Diego Performance-Based Skills Assessment Extended Range (UPSA-2-ER) into Chinese for use in Hong Kong. The assessment measures the everyday living skills needed for independent community living among people with severe mental illness. Experts reviewed the translated version to ensure it was accurate, culturally appropriate, and relevant to local practice. The assessment was then tested with 240 people with severe mental illness in Hong Kong. Results showed that it was highly reliable, producing consistent scores across different assessors and questions. It also closely matched the results of an established local assessment of daily functioning. In addition, the assessment accurately identified whether people were living independently, in a halfway house, or in a long-term care home. Overall, the findings suggest that the Chinese version of the UPSA-2-ER is a reliable and valid tool for assessing the everyday living skills of people with severe mental illness in Hong Kong.

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Photo by kai brune on Unsplash

Photo by kai brune on Unsplash

Why is it important?

There were few standardised Chinese instrument for assessment daily living skills in Hong Kong. Current instruments were developed 20 years ago and need updates in the range of skills assessed. Re-validation of the translated Chinese version is necessary before it could be adopted in clinical assessment of people with mental illness.