Multidimensional assessment for patients with multimorbidity in primary care – first practice test

Abstract Background Multidimensional geriatric assessments are important for early detection of functional deficits, thus contributing to healthy ageing. According to the Austrian Health Care Structure Plan, such bio-psycho-social assessments should be implemented in primary care and build the basis for the care of patients with chronic diseases. Aim of the present study was to test the feasibility of a respective tool at Austrian general practitioners (GP). Methods Overall, 16 GP participated in our practice test and conducted the composed assessment in 185 geriatric patients (39% male, Ø82.6 years, Ø8 diagnoses, 9 medications). Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (SPSS 26.0). Results In 181 tested patients (98%), the assessment revealed at least 1 relevant functional deficit (Ø4, max. 8). Level of care and number of functional deficits correlated (Spearman: 0.3, p < 0.01). Defi-cits were mainly found in mobility (55%: Timed Up and Go-Test >20 sec) and activities of daily liv-ing (86% IADL ≤ 15/16 points and 72% Barthel-Index ≤ 95/100 points). The average time to com-plete and document the functional tests was 34 minutes (min. 14, max. 61, n = 121). Use of the elec-tronic (vs. paper) documentation resulted in a significant lower time requirement of 9 minutes. Re-garding subsequent interventions, 11 GP suggested 121 interventions in 57/185 patients (30.8%); thereby, pharmacological interventions were preferred. Conclusions We conclude that our tool tool is practicable in primary care as the required time is manageable. Uncovering functional deficits per se did not induce adequate interventions (neither in number nor in quality); therefore, medical algorithms are needed that make precise recommendations for subse-quent diagnosis and/or treatment/care. Key messages Multidimensional assessments are manageable in primary care and reveal functional deficits. Subsequent to the assessment, algorithms are important in order to induce a benefit through inter-ventions.