[Clinical geriatric assessment in primary care medicine]

The Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) included the physical, psychic and social environment. The purpose was to describe the use of CGA in primary care.

A descriptive transversal study was carried out. "Timed-up-and-go"; Barthel index and the Lawton and Brody scales were used. The minimental state examination and the Yesavage scale were used for the mental performance. The Gijon instrument was used for the social and family environmental evaluation.

Average age was 64 years. In 83% the caretaker was a direct relative, and 65% were hospitalized within the last year. The 84% had multiple pathology, 93% poly-pharmacy, 71% overweight or obesity, 68% visual deficit, 35% hearing deficiency, 68% were prone to falls; 86% had some degree of dependency on daily life activities; 38% had a mild deterioration of the cognitive state and 27% moderate; 37% suffers mild depression and 17% a established depression and 35% had a social-family risk. Among physicians 72% knew the CGA concept, 72% preferred not to perform it due to lack of time and 67% point out fo not having the tools for it.

The studied population showed some grade of bio-psycho-social deterioration and the lack use of CGA.