Interdisciplinary approach of Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment

Bimba Wickramarachchi

University of Ruhuna

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Introduction��Definition: A multidimensional, interdisciplinary diagnostic process to determine an older person’s medical, functional, psychological, and social needs��Goal: Develop a coordinated and integrated care plan�

� Why Interdisciplinary Approach is Essential��Older adults = complex needs (multimorbidity, frailty, social issues)�No single professional can address all domains�Interdisciplinary teamwork ensures holistic, patient-centered care�Prevents fragmented care, duplication, or neglect of psychosocial needs�

� Core Team Members in CGA�Physician / Geriatrician – medical evaluation, diagnosis, treatment�Nurse – functional assessment, care coordination, education, advocacy�Physiotherapist – mobility, balance, fall prevention, rehabilitation�Occupational therapist – ADL training, environmental modification�Social worker – resources, financial support, family dynamics�Psychologist / Psychiatrist – cognitive, mood, behavior assessment�Dietitian – nutritional status & dietary interventions�Pharmacist – polypharmacy & medication review

� Structure of Interdisciplinary CGA Process�1. Screening & referral → identify older adults at risk�2. Multidomain assessment (physical, cognitive, psychological, social, environmental, nutritional)�3. Team meeting → discuss findings collaboratively�4. Individualized care plan → roles assigned to each discipline�5. Implementation → interventions at hospital/community/home�6. Follow-up & re-evaluation → continuous cycle

�Challenges in Interdisciplinary Approach�- Role overlap or conflicts�- Limited resources, staff shortages�- Communication barriers between disciplines�- Cultural differences and family dynamics�- Need for training in teamwork and geriatrics�

�Case Scenario�Mrs. T, 84 years, Multiple comorbidities: hypertension, osteoarthritis, mild dementia�History: recurrent falls, poor nutrition, lives with daughter�CGA Team Assessment: Nurse: identifies malnutrition, fall history, caregiver stress�Physiotherapist: reduced gait speed, balance issues�Dietitian: inadequate caloric intake�Social worker: daughter overwhelmed, financial strain�Physician: polypharmacy → medication review�Care Plan: fall-prevention exercises, diet plan, home modification, caregiver counseling, deprescribing

�References��World Health Organization (WHO). (2017). Integrated care for older people (ICOPE): Guidelines on community-level interventions to manage declines in intrinsic capacity. World Health Organization.��Eliopoulos, C. (2022). Gerontological Nursing (10th ed.). Wolters Kluwer. ��American Nurses Association (ANA). (2020). Gerontological Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice (3rd ed.). ANA.��

Thank you