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Consultative geriatric assessment for ambulatory patients. A randomized trial in a health maintenance organization
Epstein AM, Hall JA, Fretwell M, Feldstein M, de Ciantis ML, Tognetti J, Cutler C, Constantine M, Besdine R, Rowe J, McNeil BJ
JAMA 1990 Jan 26;263(4):538-544
clinical trial
6/10 [Eligibility criteria: Yes; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: No; Baseline comparability: Yes; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: Yes; Adequate follow-up: Yes; Intention-to-treat analysis: No; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

Previous studies have shown that comprehensive geriatric assessment and follow-up can improve the health of hospitalized elderly patients. To evaluate the effectiveness of consultative geriatric assessment and limited follow-up for ambulatory patients, we randomized 600 elderly patients who were enrolled in a health maintenance organization into three groups: (1) consultation by a geriatric assessment team, (2) consultation by a "second opinion" internist, and (3) only traditional health maintenance organization services (control patients). The geriatric assessment team identified previously unrecognized problems in 35% of patients and advised changes in medication regimens for more than 40%. Nevertheless, patients who received assessment achieved only a small benefit in cognitive function after 3 months, which was not sustained for 1 year. There was no difference among groups in other measures of health status. Consultative geriatric assessment with limited follow-up did not benefit most older ambulatory patients in a health maintenance organization; if such care can be used effectively for ambulatory patients, it will require either additional targeting or continuing care or both.

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