[The radar chart method and its analysis as a comprehensive geriatric assessment system for elderly disabled...

In order to simply express the results of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) for elderly disabled patients, we tried to develop a CGA system using a radar chart method in 50 patients (age 73-101, mean 85 +/- 5.4) admitted to our hospital during May 1997. Our clinical database for CGA included 7 major factors (diagnosis, mental function, physical function, nutritional state, complication, coronary risk factors, social background). Finally, the radar chart was made from the results of 6 scored factors other than diagnosis and the correlation was examined statistically between these factors. This study suggests that: (1) the radar chart method display of CGA is useful for all medical staff to understand the results of CGA for elderly disabled patients and the characteristic patterns of each disease, (2) because significant positive correlations were found between 3 factors (mental, physical, nutritional) in patients with cerebrovascular disease (CVD), a more global strategy for medical care planning, especially for treatment, nursing care and rehabilitation program is necessary in patients with CVD, (3) in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), significant positive correlation was found only between physical and nutritional factors; mental factors showed significant negative correlation only with the duration of morbidity and as a result, quality of life is a more important problem for planning care of patients with AD, (4) for elderly disabled patients, nutritional assessment and nutritional care planning are very important as well as mental and physical care planning.