What important function does the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) serve?

The Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) is a multidimensional, interdisciplinary diagnostic process designed to evaluate an older adult's medical, functional, and psychosocial aspects of health. It identifies not only medical issues but also functional limitations and social factors that might impact an individual's overall well-being and care needs.

This comprehensive approach allows healthcare providers to create a tailored care plan that addresses all relevant aspects of a patient's life, recognizing that elderly patients often have complex and interconnected health needs. By taking into account a wide range of factors—such as physical health, cognitive function, emotional well-being, and social support—the CGA helps improve outcomes and quality of life for older adults.

Other options suggest a more narrow focus; for instance, one option implies that the CGA is simply a diagnostic tool for chronic diseases, which overlooks its broader utility in assessing various domains of health. Similarly, focusing solely on physical health or mental health neglects the essential integrative aspect of the CGA, which is to consider multiple facets of an individual's life, thereby enabling more comprehensive and effective care strategies.