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Comprehensive geriatric assessment. Helping your elderly patients maintain functional well-being
K Rockwood1, J L Silvius, R A Fox
1Division of Geriatric Medicine, Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. rockwood@is.dal.ca
Postgraduate Medicine
|March 31, 1998
Summary
This article presents a comprehensive geriatric assessment method for frail elderly patients. It helps identify social and medical factors impacting independence and overall well-being.
Area of Science:
- Geriatrics
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Frail elderly patients often present with complex, interconnected social and medical issues.
- Assessing these multifaceted needs is crucial for maintaining functional well-being and independence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a comprehensive geriatric assessment approach tailored for frail elderly individuals.
- To outline a practical method for physicians to evaluate factors affecting patient independence.
Main Methods:
- The article details a structured assessment process for geriatric patients.
- This approach involves a physician time investment of 45-90 minutes.
Main Results:
- Physicians can systematically identify factors jeopardizing elderly patients' independence.
- A deeper understanding of patients' complex needs is achieved through this assessment.
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive geriatric assessment is vital for addressing the multifaceted needs of frail elderly patients.
- This structured approach empowers physicians to better support patient independence and functional well-being.