Rationale and design of a multi-center randomized trial of comprehensive geriatric assessment consultation for hospitalized patients in an HMO.

Objective: To describe the evaluation of an interdisciplinary comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) consultation program for targeted hospitalized patients.

Design: Multi-center randomized clinical trial (RCT) at four hospitals where patients were randomly assigned to CGA consultation or usual care by the attending physician, and a non-equivalent control group (NCG) at two hospitals.

Setting: Six hospitals in a multi-specialty group practice model health maintenance organization (HMO).