Comprehensive geriatric assessment for non-geriatricians.

Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) consists of medical history taking, medication review, physical examination with special attention to sensory and neurological evaluation, and use of assessment instruments to measure cognitive, affective, functional, social, and economic status. CGA is most often beneficial when applied to frail elders at risk of functional decline. Beneficial outcomes may include decreased risks of falls, cognitive decline, and nursing home placement--in addition to improved sense of well-being and satisfaction with care.