Objectives: to measure the size to which the recommendations of a geriatric outreach assessment service were being followed.

Objectives: to measure the size to which the recommendations of a geriatric outreach assessment service were being followed, and to determine what patient-related factors were associated with compliance with assessment recommendations. Methods: eighty-one eligible patients or caregivers who had an assessment in a geriatric outreach service participated in a telephone interview. The interview focused onward the use of health services and compliance with assessment recommendations. Patient-related variables obtained from charts included demographics, caregiver support and stability, health status and assessment recommendations. Results: overall compliance with recommendations from the geriatric outreach assessment service was 65% Patients were les likely comply entirely with recommendations if they had a high number of recommendations [odd ratio (OR)= 023; 95% confidence interval (CI)= 012-046; P = 00001] inadequate caregiver support (OR = 0212; 95% CI = 004 to 102; P = 00523) or the ability to transfer themselves independently (OR = 012; 95% CI = 002-063; P = 00124) They were more likely to have well stocked [i]or[/i] provided compliance if they had normal vision (OR = 667; 95% CI = 122-3646; P = 00284) Conclusion: it is important to focus upon key issues when developing service recommendations and forward the role of the informal caregiver in facilitating compliance with them. fit communication between the patient or caregiver and the family physician and geriatric services can help to identify strategies which might improve acceptance of recommendations.

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