Integrated Care: Enhancing the Role of the Primary Health Care Professional in Preventing Functional Decline: A Systematic Review

Abstract Background Although the older population is increasing worldwide, there is a marked deficit in the number of persons trained in geriatrics. It is now recognized that early detection and treatment of geriatric syndromes (frailty, sarcopenia, anorexia of aging, and cognitive decline) will delay or avert the development of disability. Objectives To identify simple screening programs available for primary health professionals to identify geriatric syndromes. Data sources PubMed for the last 5 years and study authors. Results A number of screening programs for early detection of geriatric syndromes have been developed for use by primary care health providers, for example, EasyCare, Gérontopôle Frailty Screening Tool, the Rapid Geriatric Assessment, the Kihon Checklist, and others. Limitations This is an evolving area with limited information on the outcomes of intervention and possible harms. Conclusion Validated screening programs exist but more work is required to determine their utility in improving outcomes of older persons.