Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment for Frail Older People

The study "Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment for frail older people in Swedish acute care settings - a randomized controlled study" comprised two study arms: one intervention and one control group. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) for frail older people in Swedish acute hospital settings - the CGA-Swed study. The intervention group received the CGA and a control group received medical assessment without the CGA. Follow-ups were conducted after 1, 6 and 12 months, with dependence in activities of daily living (ADL) as the primary outcome measure. The study group consisted of frail older people, 75 years and older, in need of acute medical hospital care. The study design, randomization and process evaluation carried out were intended to ensure the quality of the study. Baseline data showed that the randomisation was successful and that the sample included frail older people with high dependence in ADL, and with a high comorbidity. Thus, the CGA contributed to early recognition of frail older people's needs and ensured a care plan and follow-up. When investigating the long-term effects on frail older people's ADL 12 months after receiving the CGA, results showed that twelve participants in the intervention group (15.4%), and four participants in the control group (5.2%) had improved in their ADL 1 year after discharge. Qualitative interviews with CGA-participants also showed that the participants felt respected as a person when receiving care on a CGA acute geriatric ward.

The aim of the study "Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment for frail older people in Swedish acute care settings - a randomized controlled study" was to evaluate the effects of the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) for frail older people in Swedish acute hospital settings.

The study addressed the following research questions:

1. Can Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment for frail older patients in Swedish acute hospital settings:

   * increase/maintain independence, functional status, health related quality of life and life satisfaction?
   * increase satisfaction with health care?
   * reduce health care consumption?
2. How feasible and acceptable are the study processes and procedures of CGA from the perspective of care givers and older persons in Swedish settings?

The intervention addressed people 75 years and older who were seeking acute hospital care at the hospital emergency department, and who were identified as being frail. The CGA intervention included a multidisciplinary team that assessed the patient's socio-demographic background, social network, health and medical history, medications, functional status, cognitive status, nutritional status, somatic status and psychosocial status including depression, as well as treatment and planning for discharge and follow-up. The intervention was person-centred, and comprised a comprehensive assessment tailored for each person.

In total, one-hundred and fifty-five people participated in the study; 78 in the intervention group and 77 in the control group. Participants in the intervention group had a higher odds ratio of reporting having received written information and felt that care met their needs during their hospital stay. At the 12-month follow up, 78 people participated (40 in the control and 38 in the intervention). Results showed that twelve participants in the intervention group (15.4%), and four participants in the control group (5.2%) had improved in their ADL 1 year after discharge. Further, people who received the CGA intervention had higher odds of receiving antidepressant treatment, suggesting that CGA improves recognition of mental health needs during an unplanned hospital admission. Qualitative interviews with participants receiving the CGA showed that the care they received on the CGA ward met their needs. The participants felt respected as a person when receiving care on a CGA acute geriatric ward. This was achieved by having a reciprocal relationship with the ward staff, enabling their participation in decisions when engaged in communication and understanding.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* All patients 75 years and older seeking acute hospital care at the hospital emergency department will be screened for frailty.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Those with symptoms of predefined diagnoses such as stroke, acute myocardial infarction and hip fractures, admitted through "fast tracks" directly to a designated ward without passing the emergency department.