GERIATRIC VALUATION

The geriatric global valuation is a special evaluation for the elders due to the high prevalence of diseases in the major adult and to needs and problems not identified by the clinical traditional valuation that is the anamnesis and the physical exploration. This term is used to describe a clinical boarding that goes beyond the history and medical exploration. It is the principal tool of work of geriatrics. In addition it is used to take a long-term follow-up in order to achieve a major degree of independence and quality of life.

The members of the family, friends and keepers can offer valuable information it brings over of the functional previous condition of the patient. Nevertheless, before interrogating the relative, it is necessary to try to obtain permission for it on the part of the patient. This valuation is carried out by a multidisciplinary equipment is to say; it can involve several professionals since they are a geriatric, a nurse specialized in geriatrics and a social worker, besides physical therapists, occupational therapists, nutritionist, psychologist, etc … these take responsibility of the evaluation that they carry out to develop a therapeutic plan adapted to every patient.

In conclusion Geriatric global valuation is a process to identify problems and needs of the elder, for that are strategies of intervention that was realized in the long term to achieve a better quality of life, we need an anamnesis, physical examination and rating scales.

This geriatric global valuation divides in four spheres:

-          The physical or clinical sphere.

-          The functional sphere.

-          The mental or social sphere.

-          The affective sphere.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

- Geriatric Evaluation & Management, Hartford Hospital, available in: http://www.harthosp.org/seniors/GeriatricServices/GEM/default.aspx

- Geriatric Evaluation & Management, 2008, Healthnetworks, Available in: http://www.healthnetworks.health.wa.gov.au/modelsofcare/docs/GEM_Model_of_Care.pdf

- HOFFMAN, Gloria Basic Geriatric Nursing 5th Edition. Elsevier 2012.