RT Book, Section
A1 Kane, Robert L.
A1 Ouslander, Joseph G.
A1 Resnick, Barbara
A1 Malone, Michael L.
SR Print(0)
ID 1149535799
T1 Evaluating the Geriatric Patient
T2 Essentials of Clinical Geriatrics, 8e
YR 2017
FD 2017
PB McGraw-Hill Education
PP New York, NY
SN 9781259860515
LK accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1149535799
RD 2024/04/19
AB Evaluation  can  occur  at  different  levels  of  intensity  and  at  different  stages  of  a  disease.  It  can  be  comprehensive  or  more  focused.  Comprehensive  evaluation  of  an  older  individual’s  health  status  is  one  of  the  most  challenging  aspects  of  clinical  geriatrics.  Geriatrics  addresses  multimorbidity.  It  involves  sorting  out  the  manifestations  of  multiple  simultaneous  problems.  It  requires  sensitivity  to  the  concerns  of  people,  awareness  of  the  many  unique  aspects  of  their  medical  problems,  ability  to  interact  effectively  with  a  variety  of  health  professionals,  and  often  a  great  deal  of  patience.  It  requires  a  perspective  different  from  that  used  to  evaluate  younger  individuals.  Not  only  are  the  a  priori  probabilities  of  diagnoses  different,  but  one  must  be  attuned  to  subtler  findings.  Because  functioning  is  a  key  element  in  geriatric  management,  assessment  must  address  a  wider  range  of  domains  that  include  social  function  and  mental  health.  Progress  may  be  measured  on  a  finer  scale.  Special  tools  are  needed  to  ascertain  relatively  small  improvements  in  chronic  conditions  and  overall  function  compared  with  the  more  dramatic  cures  of  acute  illnesses  often  possible  in  younger  patients.  Creativity  is  essential  to  incorporate  these  tools  efficiently  in  a  busy  clinical  practice.