Geriatric assessment--lessons from personal experience.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop a framework for comprehensive specialist geriatric assessment in rural settings. A protocol that used a number of standardised assessment instruments was developed and applied routinely. Data from two rural centres in South Australia over a two-year period were analysed. Study results offer important insights and have implications for clinical practice and policy development. They particularly reinforce the need for a comprehensive assessment irrespective of the information received from the referrer.