Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment, Multidisciplinary Treatment, and Nurse-Guided Transitional Care in Hospitalized Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

The current study evaluated the effect of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) and multidisciplinary treatment followed by a nurse-guided transitional care bridge program in 100 hospitalized older adults. In the intervention group, CGA and multidisciplinary care were performed. The control group was provided with guideline-associated treatment. Study outcomes comprised the 6-month Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) score, Lawton Instrumental ADL (IADL) score, and unplanned hospital readmission rate. There were no differences in mean 6-month Katz ADL scores between intervention and control groups; however, significant differences were found between groups in IADL score and unplanned hospital readmission rate. CGA followed by nurse-guided transitional care stabilized patients' IADL score and improved hospital readmission rate. The current results informed that combining CGA with multidisciplinary continuous nursing is an effective and feasible working pattern; however, more exploratory work is needed. [ Research in Gerontological Nursing, 16 (5), 224–230.]