LO7 Comprehensive Geriatric Assesment

Question 1

What is a comprehensive geriatric assessment?

Answer 1

It is an holistic multidimensional assessment of patients that is the gold care of management for frail older patients

Includes biological, psychological and social aspects. Involves many members of the MDT.

Question 2

How can you remember what is in a CGA?

Answer 2

FRAIL mnemonic

Question 3

What does the frail mnemonic stand for?

Answer 3

Falls
Function
Reactions- drugs, medications
ADLs
Illness
Living situation

Question 4

Give some examples of the members of the MDT involved in CGA?

Answer 4

Physician
OT
Physio
Social worker
SALT
Psychiatrist
Psychologist
Specialist nurses
Dieticians

Question 5

Define CGA?

Answer 5

A multidimensional multidisciplinary diagnostic process focussed on determining a frail elderly persons medical, psychological and functional capability in order to develop an integrated care plan for long term follow up.

Holistic approach to identify and aim to support/correct all areas of an individual’s health- physical, mental and social well being

Question 6

Who is a CGA most beneficial for?

Answer 6

Frail elderly people- with any of the four geriatric giants:
Immobility
Incontinence
Impaired cognition
Instability

Question 7

What does the FRAIL mnemonic stand for?

Answer 7

Falls
Function
Reactive- drugs, medications
ADL/ Altered Mental Status
Illness
Living situation

Question 8

What do the Fs stand for in FRAIL?

Answer 8

Falls

Function

Question 9

What does the R stand for in FRAIL?

Answer 9

Reactive- drugs, medications

Polypharmacy is a big problem in older adults

Question 10

What does the A stand for in FRAIL?

Answer 10

ADLs and Altered mental status

How is the patient coping with their activities of daily living?
Do they have cognitive decline that is impacting upon activities of daily living?
Is there an acute change in cognition or an acute confusional state?

Question 11

What does the I stand for in FRAIL?

Answer 11

Illness

Are there conditions being managed optimally?
Do they need any extra treatment?
Is referral to specialist services required?

Question 12

What does the L Stand for in FRAILS?

Answer 12

Living situation- this section would require input from the OTs and social workers

Where are the patient's living?
Are they getting the support they need at home?
Who is with them at home?
Are they managing with ADLs?
Etc..

Question 13

What does the mnemonic FRAILS stand for?

Answer 13

Falls
Function
Reactions- Drugs, Medications
ADLs/ Altered Mental Status
Illness
Living arrangements