[ANMCO Position paper: Multidimensional assessment tools for the elderly with chronic heart diseases]

The epidemiological transition has led to an increase in life expectancy and to a growing population of chronic patients, often with heart failure. These patients are frequently affected by comorbidities and frailty, which in turn increase the risk of disability and worsening quality of life, requiring an accurate multidimensional assessment (MDA). In this context, MDA is crucial for integrated and holistic management of elderly patients, considering not only the pathology but the patient in his complexity. MDA requires a multidisciplinary team to ensure a comprehensive and integrated assessment of the elderly patient. MDA tools assess various domains of health, using scales and validated tools to explore physical, functional, mental and socio-economic status. MDA is applied in two phases: an initial screening procedure and an in-depth analysis of individual problems for targeted interventions. MDA can be performed in various care settings, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, home care, and rehabilitation centers. Several studies show that MDA improves survival as well as functional and mental status, reducing hospitalization times and the frequency of institutionalization. This ANMCO position paper discusses MDA tools of older adults with chronic heart disease, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to address comorbidities and frailty in a growing population.