A multidimensional approach to older patients during COVID-19 pandemic: a position paper of the Special Interest Group on Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment of the European Geriatric Medicine Society (EuGMS)

Abstract

Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic has been a dramatic trigger that has challenged the intrinsic capacity of older adults and of society. Due to the consequences for the older population worldwide, the Special Interest Group on Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) of the European Geriatric Medicine Society (EuGMS) took the initiative of collecting evidence on the usefulness of the CGA-based multidimensional approach to older people during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A narrative review of the most relevant articles published between January 2020 and November 2022 that focused on the multidimensional assessment of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results Current evidence supports the critical role of the multidimensional approach to identify older adults hospitalized with COVID-19 at higher risk of longer hospitalization, functional decline, and short-term mortality. This approach appears to also be pivotal for the adequate stratification and management of the post-COVID condition as well as for the adoption of preventive measures (e.g., vaccinations, healthy lifestyle) among non-infected individuals. Conclusion Collecting information on multiple health domains (e.g., functional, cognitive, nutritional, social status, mobility, comorbidities, and polypharmacy) provides a better understanding of the intrinsic capacities and resilience of older adults affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection. The EuGMS SIG on CGA endorses the adoption of the multidimensional approach to guide the clinical management of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Physiotherapy-Led Transition to Home Intervention for Older Adults Following Emergency Department Discharge: A Pilot Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial (ED PLUS)

“…Prospective cohort studies indicate that a CGA-based strategy could enhance the management of older persons with COVID-19 by first identifying domains that have more impairment, but also by enabling the establishment of personalised care plans in various settings. [65][66][67] Given that full safety precautions were undertaken during the entire study process from the ED to the participants' homes, including a telephone call to assess participants' symptoms before home visits and with the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for all interactions with patients, including older adults with a positive COVID-19 status would seem practical going forward. The effects on the pandemic aside, only one older adult declined to participate, reflecting the positive trust of the participants in the recruiting staff 68 and the program itself.…”

Frailty after COVID‐19: The wave after?

“… 56 , 77 Also, the importance of the multidimensional geriatric approach to older adults, implemented through the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA), is again underscored by the COVID‐19 pandemic. 108 …”

The Global Research Trends on Intrinsic Capacity of Older Adults: A Bibliometric and Visual Analysis of Papers Published During 2015–2023

“…In recent years, in the context of healthy aging and the global COVID-19 pandemic, IC-related literature is increasing year by year. 23 , 24 There is also a growing body of research concentrating on the development of therapies and the incorporation of innovative concepts into clinical and regular care for older persons. 14 , 19 , 25 , 26 A variety of review articles covering various aspects of IC in older persons have been produced as a result of the considerable literature on this topic.…”