Supporting geriatric thinking and management: adaptation of the Geriatrics 5Ms to Danish healthcare context

Coordinated, person-centred care for older adults is often challenged by multimorbidity, functional decline, and fragmented care trajectories. While Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) remains the gold standard, its implementation outside specialised geriatric settings is limited. The Geriatrics 5Ms framework (mind, mobility, medications, multicomplexity, and matters most) offers a structured and accessible alternative. We aimed to adapt the Geriatrics 5Ms to the Danish healthcare context.

Using Moore et al.'s ADAPT guidance, we conducted an iterative adaptation process involving academics, clinicians, and patient representatives. The framework was professionally translated and refined through expert workshops and ad hoc consultations. Evaluation activities included focus groups, individual interviews, structured feedback from health professions education and primary and secondary care. Findings informed iterative revisions and development of a core content list to support implementation.

Direct transfer of the original Geriatrics 5Ms was not feasible due to organisational differences and cross-sectoral responsibilities in Danish healthcare. Adaptation resulted in a shift from a physician-centred decision-support tool to an interprofessional reference framework with simplified language and strong emphasis on everyday functioning, care transitions, and shared decision-making. Stakeholders valued the structured, person-centred approach and the potential for a shared cross-sectoral language but highlighted the need for context-specific versions and clear implementation strategies.

Stakeholders perceived the Danish adaptation of the Geriatrics 5Ms as relevant and potentially feasible across sectors. Future efforts should focus on structured context-sensitive implementation and education research to ensure sustainable integration into routine clinical practice.