Valoración geriátrica integral en cuidados paliativos: Revisión bibliográfica

Abstract

The progressive aging of the population is explained by the advance in health care, the demographic and epidemiological transitions present worldwide. This phenomenon implies changes in the social and economic field, in the education and health systems, and in social security. Consequently, it is characteristic to find older adults with multimorbidity, presenting chronic diseases with different trajectories at the end of life, and that are going to require attention in the palliative care model. Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is the technology currently available to address the complex situation of older adults, particularly those who need care for palliative care. The CGA process offers a comprehensive approach that is based on the biopsychosocial model and is operationalized through the performance of an interdisciplinary team that provides assessment and palliative care in an individualized and continuous way and adapted throughout the course of the disease, helping to determine a prognosis and potential quality of life in each older adult. In the CGA within palliative care, advance care planning and shared decision-making are of special importance, from the moment the older adults are indicated to be cared for until the end of their life, and after their death, giving support to their relatives and caregivers.