Aims:
Models of Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) delivery in primary care/community settings vary, and effectiveness is uncertain. Improving the effectiveness and efficiency of CGA first requires exploration of how individual components may work and how the intervention can be strengthened. We aimed to:
Methods:
A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with older people and healthcare professionals working in non-hospital settings with older people in the UK. Data were analysed using an abductive analysis approach. Findings were shared with our stakeholder group involving older people, family members, health and social work professionals.
Results:
Twenty-seven people participated (14 older people and 13 healthcare professionals). We identified limitations in current CGA relating to information sharing between professionals, communication between older people and professionals, and follow-up as part of CGA. However, we found that introducing remote assessments and a designated professional/coordinator might be a viable solution to address the gaps in the current delivery of CGA.
Conclusions:
We identified potential challenges in the implementation of enhanced CGA. However, the participants suggested possible solutions to overcome these challenges, which aligned with feedback from relevant stakeholders. The next stage of this research will involve using these findings, alongside existing evidence and key stakeholder engagement, to develop and refine a model of enhanced CGA that can then be assessed for feasibility and acceptability.