Description of a geriatric assessment team incorporating a clinical pharmacist and other health professionals

The make-up and functioning of a geriatric assessment team is described. This team was formed to evaluate elderly patient psychological, physical, social, and health status. Members of the multidisciplinary team included: a clinical pharmacist, physician, nurse, social worker, geriatric psychiatrist, neuropsychologist, dentist, and occupational therapist. The goal of the team was to prevent and/or postpone institutionalization of ambulatory geriatric patients. The clinical pharmacist member of this team provides a facilitative, important, and needed role which synergistically enhances the functioning of the entire team.