Global Community Resourcing (GCR) has been involved with Aged Care Industry Information Technology Council (ACIITC), serving as the Secretariat and Executive body since 2017.
Recently, ACIITC commissioned a study conducted by the University of Queensland Centre for Health Services Research to assess Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) systems for use in Australian residential and community aged care. CGA is important in evaluating the needs and capabilities of older individuals, and the adoption of standardised CGA systems will lead to enhancing data sharing, improving quality monitoring, and facilitating funding.
The report’s objective was to identify and evaluate international CGA systems that could be suitable for Australian aged care. A rigorous search of academic and grey literature led to the identification of 15 systems, categorised into those designed for residential aged care, community care, and multiple settings. These systems underwent a detailed evaluation against criteria.
The evaluation revealed that the Long-Term Care Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment system (LTCCGA) received the lowest score, while the interRAI Home Care (HC) and interRAI Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCF) achieved the highest scores. These interRAI systems not only demonstrated excellence but also had international deployment, cross-setting compatibility, and recognition in an internationally recognised code set.
Through the research conducted in the ‘Survey and evaluation of comprehensive geriatric assessment systems for residential and community aged care’ report, it highlights the ability of CGA to enhance health outcomes and achieve cost-effectiveness in long-term care, hospitals, and community care settings. It alleviates risks such as falls, mortality, cognitive decline, and hospitalisation, simultaneously improving mobility and quality of life. This is proof why the utilisation of a standardised assessment system is crucial for effective CGA, allowing for consistent data collection and supporting informed decision-making.
GCR is proud to have a part in the work of ACIITC, and advocates for the introduction of standardised systems in community care settings.
To read the whole report, click here.