July 11, 2025
As Canada braces for a demographic shift where one in four citizens will be over the age of 65 by 2036, a new report released recently by the Seniors Care Network underscores the urgent need to scale up Comprehensive Geriatric Assessments (CGAs) across the healthcare system.
Titled “Enhancing Comprehensive Geriatric Assessments in Ontario and Canada: Best Practices, Optimization, and the Role of Interprofessional Teams,” the report, authored by Nidhi Nalla and Sabeen Ehsan, provides a detailed review of CGA models, their effectiveness, and the transformative impact of interprofessional collaboration in geriatric care.
What is a CGA and Why Does It Matter?
A CGA is a multidimensional, interdisciplinary process designed to evaluate the medical, functional, psychological, and social needs of older adults. It results in a coordinated, individualized care plan that addresses complex health concerns holistically.
The report emphasizes that CGA is not just a tool, it’s a philosophy of care, and it ensures that older adults receive the right care, at the right time, from the right team.
Evidence-Based Benefits
The report draws on decades of research and recent Ontario-based studies to highlight the benefits of CGAs:
- Clinical Impact: Improved functional outcomes, reduced hospital stays, and better medication management.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Especially in surgical and trauma settings, CGAs reduce healthcare costs while improving patient outcomes.
- Patient-Centeredness: Emphasizes shared goal-setting and personalized care planning.
- System Relevance: Aligns with Ontario Health’s quality standards and broader health system goals.
The Power of Interprofessional Teams
One of the report’s most compelling findings is the added value of interprofessional teams in delivering CGAs. Models like Integrated Care Teams (ICTs) and Geriatric Oncology Clinics (GO Clinics) have demonstrated:
- A 49.5% reduction in emergency department visits
- Faster assessments (3 weeks vs. 11 weeks)
- Improved treatment decisions and allied health referrals
These outcomes are made possible by the collaboration of physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, occupational therapists, pharmacists, and others, each bringing unique expertise to the table.
Barriers and the Path Forward
Despite the clear benefits, the report identifies several barriers to widespread CGA implementation, including:
- Role ambiguity and hierarchical dynamics
- Inadequate funding models
- Gaps in interprofessional education
- System fragmentation and logistical constraints
To overcome these challenges, the authors recommend:
- Expanding interprofessional CGA models, especially in rural and underserved areas
- Reforming funding to support team-based care
- Investing in digital tools and shared infrastructure
- Embedding interprofessional education in all levels of health professional training
A Call to Action
The report concludes with a strong call for policy alignment, system-level metrics, and strategic investments to ensure CGAs become a standard of care for older adults across Canada.
The authors stated “CGA is the cornerstone of quality care for older adults. As our population ages, we must act now to embed CGAs into every layer of our healthcare system.”