The topic content is divided into the information types below
The BGS works closely with the workforce team at RCP. Information on consultant numbers and other details such as projected retirements are taken from the annual RCP survey.
A quality improvement programme that uses specially trained nurses to introduce an evidence based care bundle to reduce inpatient falls
Older patients frequently have dysphagia resulting from acute or chronic illnesses. Dysphagia management requires a collaborative approach because of the complexities of older patients' needs, and geriatricians have an important role to play in overseeing this condition.
The Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons of England is concerned about the significant impact that poor oral health is having on older people’s general health and quality of life.
Diabetes is the commonest metabolic long term condition in older people and is characterised by a high rate of vascular complications and subsequent disability, frequent hospital admissions, and increased institutionalisation.
Deconditioning and loss of functional abilities in frail older people may start soon after arriving in hospital. Many end up in a care home prematurely because of it. This campaign, with downloadable resources, aims to encourage patients to 'Sit up, get dressed, keep moving!'
The functional domain of CGA focuses on mobility, activities of daily living (ADLs/IADLs), gait stability, and rehabilitation potential. Assessing Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) can provide insight into an individual’s functional status, independence, and care needs. These aspects, combined with the other five domain areas, are essential for creating a comprehensive care plan.
The environmental domain examines home safety, accessibility, community services and technology aids. The living environment is an essential element of CGA as it directly impacts an older adult’s safety, independence, and quality of life.
The social domain of CGA explores social support, carer needs, isolation, spiritual/religious beliefs and financial concerns. These aspects, combined with the other five domain areas, are essential for creating a comprehensive care plan.
Nutrition and hydration are essential elements of CGA as they impact on all body systems. Nutrition and hydration crossover with many other domains in CGA and identifying and managing poor nutrition and hydration is likely to support with the prevention and management of other health conditions, including frailty itself.
The effects of normal ageing have a detrimental effect on the integrity and function of skin, which can be further exacerbated by the presence of other comorbidities and frailty.
The psychological domain of CGA assesses cognition, mood, delirium risk, mental health conditions, and emotional wellbeing. These aspects, combined with the other five domain areas, are essential for creating a comprehensive care plan.
Caregivers provide physical assistance, cognitive prompting and/or emotional support to older people.
Future wishes are an essential component of CGA, with the aim of encompassing information from all the domains of CGA to pre-empt potential deterioration in each of them, outlining how these should (or should not) be managed in line with the patients’ wishes, and their level of functioning/frailty.
Falls are a vital component of CGA, as they are common in older adults and strongly linked with increased morbidity, mortality, and loss of independence.
Pain should be considered in all patients as part of the process of CGA, and there are many tools available to facilitate the assessment of pain in individuals who may struggle to report it.
Sensory impairment is an important but often overlooked element of CGA.
Issues with bladder and bowel function are common as we age, although it is important to remember they are not a ‘normal’ and inevitable part of ageing.
This page offers some real-world examples and experiences of CGA being implemented into older people's services. We invite BGS members and colleagues to share their success stories, tips, and learnings.
A detailed account of a person’s past medical and surgical history is an essential component of any physical health assessment. This is particularly important in geriatric medicine, given the close relationships between age, comorbidity, frailty and disability.