[The interdisciplinary team on the assessment unit]

Comprehensive geriatric assessment is usually accomplished by multidisciplinary teams in order to meet the complexity of patients' needs. An implementation of information exchange, case reporting and planning of treatment in a systematic manner is a prerequisite for interdisciplinary team work. This report gives the results from a series of 54 patients consecutively admitted to an assessment unit. Assessment was predominantly accomplished by a core team (physician, nurse, social worker), and was supplemented by additional disciplines, if needed. The process of assessment and treatment resulted in functional improvement as assessed by an increase in the Barthel-Index score, 14 days after admission and at hospital discharge. More than 70% of patients surviving were discharged back to their homes. Geriatric assessment revealed a great need for additional ambulatory professional care although some patients used such health care services, already.