Comprehensive medical assessments for monitoring and improving the health of residents in aged care facilities: existing comprehensive medical assessments coverage and trial of a new service model

Australas J Ageing. 2011 Mar;30(1):5-10. doi: 10.1111/j.1741-6612.2010.00456.x.

Abstract

Aim: To measure comprehensive medical assessment (CMA) completions among aged care residents in Australia; and to report the outcomes of a CMA service trial.

Methods: A population-based descriptive study of CMA completions using Medicare data; and a qualitative study of an intervention trial carried out at a 115-bed residential aged care facility in Sydney, Australia. Fifty residents participated in the trial; 15 interviews were conducted.

Results: In 2008, less than 50% of Australian aged care residents had a CMA completed. The CMA service trial improved CMA data quality and accessibility. A substantial proportion of residents were found to have previously unidentified health problems that impacted on their health and quality of life.

Conclusions: CMA rates are low. New approaches to achieving higher CMA rates, utilising information technology, hold promise. Strategies for ongoing monitoring of care to follow-up problems identified are required to achieve measurable improvements in residents' care and quality of life.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • General Practitioners / organization & administration*
  • Geriatric Assessment / methods*
  • Guideline Adherence
  • Health Services for the Aged / organization & administration*
  • Homes for the Aged / organization & administration*
  • Humans
  • Models, Organizational*
  • National Health Programs / organization & administration*
  • Needs Assessment / organization & administration*
  • New South Wales
  • Nursing Homes / organization & administration*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Quality of Health Care / organization & administration
  • Quality of Life