A Professional Development Program in Geriatric Interdisciplinary Teamwork: Implications for Managed Care and Quality of Care

Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness of a multiyear geriatric interdisciplinary team training (ITT) program conducted by a geriatric education center in cooperation with three large health care systems. Approximately 40 half-day training sessions were planned and implemented by the university-community partnership. The training sessions included core content on team processes and substantive clinical material on geriatric concerns and disease states (dementia, diabetes, etc.). Statistical analyses revealed that a critical amount of training is necessary to induce positive changes in team skills and attitudes about geriatric health care teams. Results also indicated that maturity, practical experience, and some previous formal training in geriatrics or gerontology are predisposing factors contributing to the effectiveness of geriatric ITT. Because resources to implement these kinds of comprehensive training programs are often limited, more focused educational interventions are advisable.