Effectiveness of outpatient geriatric assessment programs: exploring caregiver needs, goals, and outcomes.

In this study, the authors examined the goals and outcomes of 141 caregivers of older adults with cognitive impairment who attended a comprehensive geriatric assessment program (CGA). The vast majority of caregivers expressed at least one assessment goal, suggesting that the concept was relevant to them. Most caregiver goals focused on patient needs, with only 10% expressing goals specifically related to their own coping needs. At follow up, more than two-thirds of caregiver goals were attained. The findings confirm the great potential of CGA programs in promoting positive outcomes and point to the opportunities for nurses to improve the process of care.