[Multidimensional assessment as a method in geriatric medicine]

In regard to everyday problems with older patients on the emergency wards of our hospitals the usual diagnostic procedures are obviously not very helpful in uncovering the multiple problems these patients have. They need a comprehensive assessment which includes evaluation of the patient in several domains, namely physical, mental, socioeconomic, functional and environmental status. The multidisciplinary character of the comprehensive geriatric assessment and its problems and goals are discussed.