A Practical Mini-Guide to Geriatric Assessment

Abstract

The heterogeneity of the aging process has practical consequences for the assessment of older cancer patients: Patients need individualized assessments to approximately determine their physiological age. There is no simple way to assess physiological age, but an approach frequently used by geriatricians involves a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA). Unfortunately, there is no such thing as an internationally standardized CGA. Oncologists often ask for a copy of “the CGA” scoring sheet, which does not exist. However, there is general agreement within the literature of the components that comprise a CGA: Areas where older adults often present with problems are systematically assessed. The general composition of a CGA involves functional status, comorbidity, polypharmacy, nutritional status, cognitive function, emotional status, and social support. It is important to know that in clinical geriatric medicine, the CGA is carried out in the presence of a multidisciplinary team and involves the process of developing an intervention plan for the patient. The multidisciplinary team usually includes some or all of the following specialists: a geriatrician, a geriatric nurse, a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist, a dietician, a social worker, and a pharmacist. Thus, it is more correct to speak about a geriatric assessment (GA) than a CGA in this context where isolated scoring tools are presented. We will present some of the tools that are most frequently used in the field of geriatric oncology.