Table 1 The comprehensive geriatric assessment, results and interventions.

From: The effect of geriatric intervention in frail older patients receiving chemotherapy for colorectal cancer: a randomised trial (GERICO)

Domain

Assessment and screening tool

Possible interventions

Interventions implemented

  

Cut-off

Score

n (%)

  

n (%)

Comorbidity

CIRS-G

–

0–4

5–7

11 (15)

31 (44)

Optimising treatment Referrals to exams/other departments

Referrals

23 (32)

Review of medical records

≥8

29 (41)

Clinical examination

  

Patient interview

  

Medication review

No. of medications/polypharmacy

–

0–4

43 (61)

Discontinuation

Changes in medication

44 (62)

≥5

28 (39)

Prescription

START/STOP criteria

   

Change in dosage

Cognitive function

MMSE

 ≤23/30

24–30

71 (100)

Further evaluation

Cognitive evaluation

1 (1.4)

0–23

0 (0)

Referral/medication

Psychological function

GDS

 ≥ 6/ 15

0–5

67 (9)

Assessment of possible depression

Medical treatment

2 (2.8)

≥6

4 (6)

Referrals

2 (2.8)

Nutritional status

MNA-based local nutritional screening

Weight loss ≥5%

0–5

18 (25)

Nutritional supplements

Referral: GERICO dietitian

36 (51)

≥5

53 (75)

Referral to dietitiana

Physical function

Gait speed 10 m

>1 m/s

0–1

37 (52)

Referral to the exercise programmeb

Referral: GERICO exercise programme

28 (39)

>1

32 (45)

Handgrip strength (Jamar Dynamometer)

<♀ 20 kg

below

35 (49)

Referral to the exercise training programmeb

Referral: GERICO exercise programme

28 (39)

<♂ 30 kg

above

36 (51)

Functional status

Katz ADL

<6

6

62 (87)

Initiation of home care

Initiation of social support

2 (2.8)

(In)dependence

 

0–5.5

9 (13)

Occupational therapy assessment

Occupational therapy

2 (2.8)

FAQ IADL

>1

0

48 (68)

Initiation of home care

Initiation of home care

2 (2.8)

(In)dependence

 

≥1

23 (32)

Transport arrangement

Laboratory parameters

TSH, cobalamin, folate, albumin, vitamin D

Normative values

Normal

51 (72)

Treat deficiencies/control blood samples

Deficiencies treated

20 (28)

abnormal

20 (28)

  1. ADL activities of daily living, CIRS-G Critical Illness Rating Score—Geriatrics, FAQ IADL frequently asked questions instrumental activities of daily living, GDS Geriatric Depression Scale, MMSE minimal mental state examination, MNA minimal nutritional assessment.
  2. aA personalised nutritional plan based on the patient’s taste preferences and a telephone follow-up call after 1 month, and 3 months after chemotherapy discontinuation.
  3. bThe exercise programme included 24 supervised exercise sessions preferably twice weekly at the hospital and home exercise once weekly. The supervised exercise was a 1-h training programme including 15 min of warming up with aerobic and balance training, 30 min of resistance training, and finally 15 min of supervised relaxation.
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