The Different Domains of the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment

Abstract

Comprehensive geriatric assessment is the core and an essential part of the clinical care of older patients. It differs from a standard medical evaluation by including nonmedical domains, incorporating a multidisciplinary team, and by emphasizing functional capacity and quality of life. Comprehensive geriatric assessment is based on standardized and specific tools designed to investigate specific domains that may influence the general health and outcomes of older patients, including assessment of medical, functional, cognitive, psychological, socioeconomic, and environmental conditions. As compared to the traditional medical approach, it usually yields a more complete and relevant picture of patients’ needs and is helpful in refining the diagnosis of medical conditions, development of personalized treatment and follow-up plans, and coordination of management of care. Here, different assessment tools commonly used in geriatric assessment according to different domains of health are reviewed and discussed, highlighting their application in different clinical setting.