Volume 216 - Issue 4
The ABCD of the comprehensive geriatric assessment
Author: Paven Kaur
Med J Aust 2022; 216 (4): 211-211. || doi: 10.5694/mja2.51407
Published online: 7 March 2022
Published online: 7 March 2022
In reply
In reply: I thank Alghamry and Lee for their appreciation of the ABCD (abbreviated, brief, comprehensive, detailed) concept and reflection on its key elements.1 Acronyms are an excellent way to introduce new concepts and I appreciate their idea of extending the mnemonic to ABCDEF with E for efficiency and F for feasibility.
ABCD is a novel approach proposing a standardised proforma for each subsection with varying models of the comprehensive geriatric assessment, depending on the environment and patient; for example, a rapid assessment in the emergency department with a more comprehensive assessment in a subacute environment.2 The benefits of comprehensive geriatric assessment have already been recognised for patients, but the definition remains broad, making it difficult to adopt across different settings.3,4
I agree that efficiency and feasibility are important elements in all four areas of ABCD, particularly in busy environments such as the emergency department, where assessments need to be clear, demonstrate benefit and be efficient to enable uptake of new concepts.5 However, efficiency and feasibility are integral to the entire ABCD concept, as without both the concept may be rejected. Establishing a standardised proforma will hopefully result in an improvement in both efficiency and feasibility.
ABCD refers to four distinct principles, all of which are part of the comprehensive geriatric assessment, whereas E and F are essential to the whole concept. Given efficiency and feasibility underpin the principles of the entire model of care and ABCD refers to descriptions of the graded response of assessment, it would be more appropriate to continue with the acronym ABCD as is.
Competing interests
No relevant disclosures.
References
- Alghamry A, Lee JC. The ABCD of the comprehensive geriatric assessment [letter]. Med J Aust 2021; 216: 211.
- Kaur P, Rowland J, Whiting E. The ABCD of the comprehensive geriatric assessment. Med J Aust 2021; 215: 206–207. https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2021/215/5/abcd‐comprehensive‐geriatric‐assessment
- Pilotto A, Cella A, Pilotto A, et al. Three decades of comprehensive geriatric assessment: evidence coming from different healthcare settings and specific clinical conditions. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2017; 18: 192.
- Parker SG, McCue P, Phelps K, et al. What is comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA)? An umbrella review. Age Ageing 2018; 47: 149–155.
- Conroy SP, Ansari K, Williams M, et al. A controlled evaluation of comprehensive geriatric assessment in the emergency department: the ‘Emergency Frailty Unit’. Age Ageing 2014; 43: 109–114.
Linked content
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MJA Perspective: The ABCD of the comprehensive geriatric assessment
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MJA Letter: The ABCD of the comprehensive geriatric assessment