A comparison of two quality assessment instruments: Monitor and Senior Monitor.

Similarities and differences between the two U.K. generic quality assessment instruments, Monitor and Senior Monitor, are outlined. The relative merits of each are explored to determine the most valid instrument for assessing the quality of care of elderly patients. Both instruments were simultaneously administered to 46 patients aged 70 years or over in three medical, three surgical and three elderly care wards. Senior Monitor scores were significantly lower than Monitor scores for the nine wards overall. This remained the case when the sections in Senior Monitor that do not feature in Monitor were removed from the analysis. Factors to be taken into account when selecting which instrument to use with elderly patients are outlined.