[STEP--standardized assessment of elderly people in primary care]

There is a need for a standard preventive assessment scheme, which is effective, feasible and acceptable throughout European primary care.

A consensus based guideline including systematic reviews of the evidence was done by an expert panel of general practitioners (core group) and epidemiologists / geriatricians from seven European countries.

The Step group identified 8 health domains to be considered in a preventive assessment; client's perspective and attitudes. physical state, functional state, significant symptoms, mental function, social circumstances, medication and primary preventive issues. To select the health areas with a proven preventive potential the strength of scientific evidence and the relevance to primary preventive care was assessed. The final recommendations graded as the preventive primary care impact factor as follows: A1=strongly recommended were hypertension, symptomatic heart failure, urinary incontinence, hearing impairment, vision impairment, falls, breathlessness, depression, dementia, medication review, functional status, activity and physical exercise. A2=recommended: Hypertension over the age of 80, history of myocardial infarction, symptomatic coronary heart disease, atrial fibrillation, history of TIA or stroke, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, osteoporosis, lipids, faecal incontinence, weight status, foot problems, oral heath, osteoarthritis, sleeplessness, pain, social circumstances, tobacco and alcohol use, psychological support for patients with chronic disease and (national) immunization & cancer programs.

The rising population of elderly people in Europe gives cause for health care professionals and policy makers to consider optimal ways to preserve health and function in old age. An Evidence based, proactive preventive geriatric assessment can help to promote heath and function in older people.