[Comprehensive geriatric assessment: a useful tool for prevention of acute situations in the elderly]

Comprehensive geriatric assessment is a useful complement to the standard clinical examination of elderly people. It focuses on a systematic evaluation of functional status, dependency, cognitive functions, psychological status, continence, nutritional status and social way of life, administered by a multidisciplinary team. Standardized test, well-validated in the elderly, are used. Most studies have demonstrated the efficacy of geriatric assessment programs in outpatients, hospitalized patients or in emergency unit patients. Mostly useful in frail elderly patients, geriatric assessment results in a decrease in morbidity and dependency, shorter hospital stays and fewer referrals to nursing homes. By introducing adequate medical and social interventions, comprehensive geriatric assessment, even in very old people, is useful in preventing acute situations leading to emergency referrals.