title: Web-based (online) comprehensive geriatric assessment is more time efficient, and as reliable, as reading patient medical records and conducting traditional in person consultations.
abstract: The aim of this study was to report the time taken by geriatricians to reach triage decisions using an online assessment format compared with face-to-face (FTF) assessment. Patients (N = 166) were randomly allocated to two groups: online and FTF assessments (OF group); and dual FTF assessments (FF group). Case preparation was conducted by trained nurse assessors using a web-enabled clinical decision support system. Geriatricians allocated to perform an 'online' assessment had access to this information only. Geriatricians allocated FTF assessments reviewed this data, as well as the paper-based medical file and then consulted directly with the patient and attending staff. Data were collected in relation to time taken to complete OL assessments, compared with FTF assessments. A complete OL consultation averages 10 minutes, and a FTF consultation almost 26 minutes. In FTF consultations, less time is spent using the OL material when the geriatrician is aware that they will have access to the patient chart and need time to speak with the patient. The less time taken using the OL approach did not significantly alter the triage decisions made by the geriatricians.
authors: Centre for Research in Geriatric Medicine, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia m.martinkhan@uq.edu.au.|Centre for Online Health, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.
authors: Melinda G
authors: MG
authors: Martin-Khan
authors: Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
authors: Helen
authors: H
authors: Edwards
authors: Centre for Online Health, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.
authors: Richard
authors: R
authors: Wootton
authors: Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland Health, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Australia.
authors: Paul
authors: P
authors: Varghese
authors: Northern Clinical Research Centre, University of Melbourne, Australia.|Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne Health, Parkville, Australia.|Northern Hospital, Northern Health, Epping, Australia.
authors: Kwang
authors: K
authors: Lim
authors: Eastern Health Clinical School, Eastern Health, Box Hill, Australia.|Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
authors: Peteris
authors: P
authors: Darzins
authors: Ipswich Hospital, West Moreton Hospital and Health Service, Ipswich, Queensland, Australia.
authors: Lucy
authors: L
authors: Dakin
authors: Centre for Research in Geriatric Medicine, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.|Centre for Online Health, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.
authors: Leonard C
authors: LC
authors: Gray
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020000:Decision Support Systems, Clinical; D004526:Efficiency; D057286:Electronic Health Records; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D019114:Remote Consultation / Q000379:methods; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors
keywords: Comprehensive geriatric assessment; online assessment