Valoración geriátrica integral en cuidados paliativos: revisión bibliográfica

The progressive aging of the population may be explained by advances in health care, and by the demographic and epidemiological transitions present on a worldwide level. This phenomenon implies changes in the social and economic settings, in the education and health care systems, and in social security. As a consequence, older adults with multiple morbidities are typically encountered who develop chronic diseases with different trajectories at the end of life, and who will require care within the palliative model. Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is the technology currently available to address the complex situation of older adults, particularly of those who need palliative care. The CGA process offers a comprehensive approach that is based on the biopsychosocial model and made operational through the efforts of an interdisciplinary team that provides assessment and palliative care in an individualized, continuous, adaptive way throughout the course of the disease, helping to establish the prognosis and potential quality of life of each older adult. To implement CGA within the palliative care setting, advance care planning and shared decisionmaking are of special importance from the time palliative care is indicated to the end of life, as is providing support to relatives and caregivers after the patient’s demise.