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Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment by Primary Care Pharmacists
Kerry Wilbur1, Anuoluwapo F Awotunde1, Jennifer Bolt1,2,3
1Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Summary
Pharmacists can enhance geriatric care by using practical tools for comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) beyond medication review. This study identified evidence-based assessment tools suitable for community and primary care settings.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Primary Care Medicine
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
Background:
- Interprofessional collaboration is vital for optimizing care in older adults.
- Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is challenging in primary care due to limited team-based infrastructure.
- Pharmacists are accessible and have longitudinal patient relationships, positioning them to support CGA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify practical, evidence-based tools for pharmacists to conduct comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA).
- To assess pharmacist-led CGA domains including functional ability, mobility, cognition, and social support.
- To explore patient and professional perspectives on tools for geriatric care.
Main Methods:
- A modified Delphi process involving a multidisciplinary panel, including patient partners.
- Tools were rated for importance on a seven-point scale, with consensus defined as ≥75% agreement.
- Analysis focused on tool conciseness, response options, and alignment with patient preferences.
Main Results:
- Highly rated tools were concise with nuanced response options, suitable for pharmacist-led CGA.
- Patient partners' preferences aligned with health professionals' ratings, emphasizing personalization.
- Barriers to referral and follow-up within primary care settings were identified.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacists can effectively contribute to comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) using identified tools.
- Accessible, multidisciplinary pathways are needed to integrate pharmacist-led CGA into primary care.
- Findings provide actionable opportunities for pharmacists to improve geriatric care outcomes.
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