Cross-Sectional study on levels of knowledge regarding Comprehensive Gerontological Assessment (CGA) tools among professionals, based on prior experiences working with older adults in Chile
Abstract
Introduction. Following the global trend, Latin America is experiencing a process of accelerated population aging. In this context, the level of knowledge about Comprehensive Gerontological Assessment tools has not been explored in Latin America. The aim of this study was to determine the level of knowledge of Comprehensive Gerontological Assessment tools among health professionals, according to sex, age, education, years of experience, and daily hours worked with older adults. Methodology. Observational, cross-sectional study. The sampling was non-probabilistic. The sample included professionals who work with older adults and who completed an online survey, which included sociodemographic data and 4 lists of tools from each domain of Comprehensive Gerontological Assessment (a list of 13 tools from the biomedical domain, 13 functional tools, 15 mental tools: cognitive-affective; and 7 social tools), with the objective of identifying their maximum level of knowledge. Results. The survey was completed by 236 professionals. The average age was 36.2 (SD=10.2) years, with women predominating in the study (67.8%). Heterogeneity was identified in the level of knowledge of Comprehensive Gerontological Assessment tools. Higher level of knowledge: VAS, Katz, Barthel, TUG, MMSE, MEFO, GDS, Genogram. Professionals with training in the field and 6 or more years of experience working with older adults demonstrated a higher level of knowledge of Comprehensive Gerontological Assessment tools (in the majority of domains). Discussion. Similar results have been identified in studies conducted in Spain and Germany. These novel findings in the region indicate that greater education and work experience with older adults promote a high level of knowledge and utilization of Comprehensive Gerontological Assessment tools, and consequently, a more effective management of Geriatric Syndromes. Conclusions. The level of knowledge of Comprehensive Gerontological Assessment tools among professionals has been identified according to prior experiences with older adults, therefore, and in light of the results, greater education and training in Comprehensive Gerontological Assessment and its tools is required at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels in countries throughout the region.
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