Comprehensive Geriatric Assessments (CGAs) are the cornerstone of the Geriatrician’s toolbox and form part of the core skills and knowledge base of specialists in geriatric medicine.

A CGA is usually initiated by referral from a GP or another medical practitioner providing care within the community or a hospital setting.

The Australian and New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine, Position Statement No. 8 (August 2011), defines a CGA “As a multi-dimensional, interdisciplinary process used to quantify an older person’ medical, psychosocial and functional capabilities. It includes diagnosis, identification of problems, goal setting, and forming a comprehensive management plan for holistic treatment, rehabilitation, support and long-term follow up.” CGAs incorporate evaluation of multiple issues, including physical, cognitive, affective, social, financial, environmental, and spiritual matters which can impact an older person’s wellbeing. In summary, a CGA allows Geriatricians to develop a coordinated plan to optimise a person’s overall wellbeing with increasing age.

The premise underpinning CGAs is that a systematic evaluation of frail, older people by a team of health professionals may identify a variety of treatable health problems and lead to better health outcomes.  Several reviews have reported beneficial outcomes for people undergoing CGAs, including, but not limited to, benefit on short-term mortality, reduced institutionalisation and readmission, improved cognitive functioning and, for some CGA models, improved physical functioning. A 2011 Cochrane Review reported that a CGA performed in hospital for older adults admitted to an Emergency Department, increases a patient’s likelihood of being alive and in his or her own home at up to 12 months.