COMPREHENSIVE GERIATRIC ASSESSMENT (CGA) –FROM EVIDENCE TO ACTION

Comprehensive geriatric assessment (3, 4) is a multidimensional process designed to assess an elderly person's functional ability, physical health, cognitive and mental health. Geriatric practitioners use the information generated to develop treatment and long-term follow-up plans, arrange for primary care and rehabilitative services & institute preventive measures where appropriate. The geriatric assessment differs from a standard medical evaluation in three general ways: 1. It focuses on elderly individuals with complex problems 2. It emphasizes functional status and quality of life & 3. It frequently takes advantage of an interdisciplinary team of providers.