The Rhode Island Geriatric Education Center (RIGEC) at the University of Rhode Island and Brown University’s Division of Geriatrics of the Department of Family Medicine developed and managed a program to train health professionals to use an interdisciplinary approach when providing geriatric care. Students and faculty involved in these unique programs include URI pharmacy, physical therapy, nutrition and nursing, Rhode Island College (RIC) nursing and social work students, and Brown University medical residents. The importance of developing curriculum o interdisciplinary teamwork to promote an appreciation of the roles of diverse health care professionals and the benefits of collaboration effectively is critical to optimize the health and well-being of the aging population.
Dr. Phil Clark, Director of URI’s Department of Gerontology, helped establish this training and notes the importance of working in healthcare teams with our exponentially growing aging population: “When you work with older adults you need to work as a team. They have multifaceted chronic health conditions that are complicated.” The program trains students in teamwork, communication and roles and responsibilities.
The program convenes at the Family Care Center in Pawtucket, RI and includes a didactic component and hands on component. Students attend 4-monthly, one-hour educational seminars and a comprehensive geriatric assessment of a community dwelling older adult. Topics covered in seminars include; interdisciplinary team formation and values, conflict resolution, leadership styles and community. The older adult patient is selected based on criteria of age, frailty, medical complexity, functional/cognitive impairment and social and financial issues. Prior to the geriatric assessment a home visit is completed.
Students complete a geriatric and physical assessment of the patient at the Family Care Center and then meet as a team to develop a care plan for their patient. Discussion during care plan development include, but are not limited to: medications, financial stress, functional decline and social support. Following the discussion, teams debrief and reflect upon their experience working in a team. Medical, Physical Therapy, Social Work, Pharmacy, Nursing and Dietetic students all participate.