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Geriatric assessment in primary care: formulating best practice
British Journal of Community Nursing
|March 2, 2002
Summary
Implementing comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) in primary care is feasible and cost-effective. A best-practice model using the EASY-Care tool administered by practice nurses showed high acceptability and patient satisfaction.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Primary Care Medicine
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is recognized for its cost-effectiveness in older adults.
- However, a standardized approach for implementing CGA within primary care settings is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a best-practice model for geriatric assessment in primary care.
- To assess the feasibility, acceptability, and cost-effectiveness of the model.
Main Methods:
- An iterative development process combining expert opinion and stakeholder input.
- Semi-structured interviews with patients (75+) and practitioners in nine general practices.
- Implementation of a standardized instrument (EASY-Care) by practice nurses during over-75s health checks.
Main Results:
- High patient and practitioner acceptability of the CGA model.
- Significant cost savings identified.
- Key benefits included mental health assessment, support evaluation, goal-setting, disability scoring, and high patient satisfaction.
Conclusions:
- Geriatric assessment in primary care is a feasible, economical, and beneficial intervention.
- Practice nurses play a crucial role in the successful implementation of CGA.
- The EASY-Care instrument integrated into routine health checks offers a practical model.