The client’s status should be considered such as level of function (what activities they are performing), health status, diagnosis, age, cognitive ability  (confidence instruments tend to be more abstract)

The client’s response to positive or negative wording. Some clients may respond better to talk about their level of confidence rather than their level of fear.

The characteristic that the clinician wants to measure may also determine the type of instrument used.

The purpose of the screening instrument is also important to consider. If scores on the instrument are to be used to compare clients, for research, or for pretest and posttest, a valid, reliable measure should be used. If an instrument is used as only a means to discuss fear of falling, any measure can be appropriate.