Study designs of evaluations included in the review
Controlled trials (randomised and non-randomised) which included at least one measure of mental state.
Specific interventions included in the review
Geriatric home screening services; Questionnaire or health visits to assess physical, mental, functional, or social status was, following which patients were offered advice and/or appropriate referrals were made.
Reference standard test against which the new test was compared
The review did not include any diagnostic accuracy studies that compared the performance of the index test with a reference standard of diagnosis.
Participants included in the review
Men and women aged 65 years or more who lived at home.
Outcomes assessed in the review
Mental state as measured by level of anxiety, depression, social contacts, quality of life, psychiatric hospitalisation, loneliness, psychogeriatric hospital admission, self-perceived health, morale and memory. Assessed by physicians, nurses, social workers, health visitors or volunteers. Outcome evaluations were carried out 12-36 months after the initial assessment.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
Assessed by one reviewer.