A randomised controlled trial of the outcome of health assessment of people aged 75 years and over

Abstract

Objectives To measure the outcomes of a health assessment, conducted by a nurse, of people aged 75 years and older (75+HA) living independently in their own homes. Design Randomised controlled trial (RCT). Setting A convenience sample of six general practices within the Adelaide Western Division of General Practice (AWDGP). A random sample of 100 participants was drawn from practice age–sex registers. Data were collected in initial visits between 1 August 1998 and February 1999, then in follow‐up visits one year later. Participants Participants were aged 75 years and over on 1 August 1998 and living independently in the community. 145 eligible patients were invited to join the study, and 100 of these consented to enrol (69%). Intervention A 75+HA conducted in the participant's home by a nurse and reported to their usual general practitioner. Main outcome measures Primary: number of problems in each group; number of participants with problems; and mortality. Secondary: physical function; psychological (including cognitive) function; falls; and admission to institution. Results There were no significant differences between the control and intervention groups at follow‐up in the number of problems, the number of participants with problems, or mortality. In the intervention group, there was significant improvement in self‐rated health, geriatric depression score (GDS 15), and number of falls. Conclusions This RCT has not demonstrated improvement in health status of the intervention group which received a 75+HA compared with a control group left to usual care.