Screening elderly people in primary care: a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Primary Care
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Elderly populations often face complex health challenges requiring comprehensive assessment.
• General practices are key settings for delivering health services to older adults.
• Screening programs aim to identify health issues and improve outcomes in the elderly.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a nurse-led screening program for individuals aged 75 and over.
• To assess the program's impact on physical functioning, daily living activities, and psychological well-being.
• To inform the objectives of proposed government initiatives for elderly home reviews.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 296 participants (aged 75+) allocated to a test group (nurse screening) or control group.
• The nurse screening included assessments of daily living, social functioning, mental health, medical issues, vital signs, and medication compliance.
• Health indices were measured before and 20 months after the intervention.

Main Results:

• The test group showed significantly higher scores on a morale scale compared to the control group.
• No significant differences were found in the resolution of physical problems between the groups.
• Participants in the test group did not report finding activities of daily living easier.

Conclusions:

• Nurse-led screening may enhance psychological well-being and adaptation to aging.
• The primary benefits might stem from increased attention, education, and awareness of support systems.
• Clarification of objectives is recommended for national elderly home review schemes.