“Get a sense of the patient’s symptoms, wishes, and goals even before the first visit.”
Gaining a clear understanding of a frail older patient doesn’t start in the exam room, but at home, before the appointment.
At the Clinical Geriatrics Outpatient Clinic at Maasziekenhuis Pantein , patients complete a validated digital questionnaire (TOPICS-SF) in advance, which provides insight into their functioning, health, and quality of life. We recently expanded the questionnaire modules to include the Valpoli and the Memory Clinic as well .
The result: no valuable consultation time wasted gathering basic information, but more time for what really matters.
By listening carefully to the patient’s story and that of their loved ones, and by conducting a thorough examination, we gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation and identify what matters most to the patient. My patients’ responses to the ConsultAssistent digital questionnaire give me an initial impression of their symptoms, wishes, and goals prior to the first visit. We then explore these in greater depth during the visit.