CGA Flashcards
what is a comprehensive geriatric assessment ?
a process of care comprising a number of steps.
a multidimensional holistic assessment of an older person considering health and wellbeing and leads to the formulation of a plan to address issues which are of concern to the older person.
who performs a CGA ?
by any member of the health and social care team but is best carried out by someone the patient and their family trusts and with whom they’ve had open and sensitive conversations with.
usually patients GP, pharmacist, nurses
when is a CGA done ?
if there are a number of circumstances all of which reflect frailty in an individual.
where is a CGA performed ?
anywhere - older person’s home, GP surgery, specialist clinic
what are the components of a CGA ?
physical assessment
functional, social and environmental assessment
psychological components
medication review
what are some general considerations in a physical assessment of a CGA ?
participation
posture
if patient has capacity
clothing - cleanliness
what are the components assessed for in a physical assessment in a CGA ?
sensory loss
feet and footwear
gait and balance
lying and standing BP
cognition and mood
pain / joints
weight and nutrition
PR and genitalia
what is involved in a functional assessment of the CGA ?
encompasses multiple factors like mobility, activities of daily living and the ability to interact with technologies used for telecare.
two main parts :
- what can and what does the person actually do ?
- how recently has it changed ?
what are some tools for assessing function in CGA ?
barthel
timed up and go test
what are the psychological components of the CGA ?
mood - depression, weight loss, poor sleep
cognition
why is a medication review important in a CGA ?
older patients on multiple medications may do more harm than good particularly in combination
what are the key parts of a medication review ?
obtain full medication history
review medication use - in general and for each medication
assess interactions or common side effects
list and prioritise
what are some tests to perform in a CGA ?
urea and electrolytes
creatinine
LFTs
calcium, CRP
TFTs
CXR
ECG
urine dip
FBC
What is care and support planning ?
a powerful way of creating an environment which helps clinicians to support self management by patients of their own long term condition
what is involved in a personalised care and support plan ?
a conversation between an individual to discuss their life priorities, consider options and agree goals.
work with the individual to give best treatment + social and psychological support
agreeing actions to help achieve goals
