Assessment of older people 2 : assessing the physical domain

The multidisciplinary and holistic assessment of an older patient allows health professionals to gain insight into their individual needs and therefore provide them with person-centred care. Five key domains need to be explored when assessing older people, including the physical domain. This second article in a six-part series discusses tools and strategies to assess the physical domain of health. Physical health assessment will normally involve a physical examination, medical history taking and medication review, as well as advance care planning and pain assessment. It will often include the assessment of skin integrity and nutritional status. However, many other aspects may require consideration according to individual patients’ health status and needs