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[Geriatric assessment--case finding by screening hospitalized patients]
W H Kruse1, R Schulz, H P Meier-Baumgartner
1Medizinisch-Geriatrische Klinik Albertinen-Haus, Hamburg.
Zeitschrift Fur Gerontologie Und Geriatrie
|July 1, 1995
Summary
A simple screening identifies older patients needing geriatric assessment. This method efficiently detects functional impairments and risks in hospitalized individuals, improving patient selection for care.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Internal Medicine
- Health Services Research
Context:
- Geriatric assessment is crucial for effective patient care but requires careful patient selection.
- Identifying appropriate candidates for geriatric assessment can be challenging in acute hospital settings.
- A systematic screening process is needed to optimize the use of geriatric assessment resources.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the feasibility and utility of a simple screening procedure for identifying patients who would benefit from geriatric assessment.
- To determine the types and frequency of geriatric problems detected by the screening.
- To assess the recommendations for geriatric assessment based on screening results in newly hospitalized patients.
Summary:
- A screening procedure was implemented to identify functional impairments and geriatric risks in hospitalized patients.
- The screening was feasible, identifying an average of five findings per patient in 245 of 247 admissions.
- Frequent issues included impaired activities of daily living, mobility, and memory, leading to geriatric assessment recommendations for 44% of patients.
Impact:
- The screening procedure is feasible and effective in identifying patients suitable for geriatric assessment.
- It provides valuable information for selecting older patients with multiple chronic problems and functional deficits.
- Implementing this screening in hospitals can optimize the utilization of geriatric assessment services for better patient outcomes.