Innovative Interdisciplinary Training in and Delivery of Evidence-Based Geriatric Services: Creating a Bridge With Social Work and Physical Therapy

Abstract

With focus on interdisciplinary education models, social work and physical therapy faculty from two proximate universities partnered to create an evidence-based geriatric assessment and brief intervention research, training, and service project for community-dwelling older adults. Assessment tools and interventions were selected from the literature to develop the service protocols. These selected protocol skills were taught to interdisciplinary teams of students and professionals in social work and physical therapy, and learning outcomes were evaluated. This article describes the process of implementing this innovative multipartner project, the obstacles faced, and lessons learned. Adult learning theory and social cognitive theory served to underpin the project. The objectives were achieved, and evaluation noted many positive experiences in training and service delivery. This multipartner, interdisciplinary project concept can be replicated to improve educational outcomes for students and professionals as they prepare and learn to serve community-dwelling older adults.

Keywords:

• multipartner project
• interdisciplinary teams
• geriatric education/training
• self-management
• telehealth intervention

The authors would like to thank the many older adults who participated in our study, the many social work and physical therapy students and professionals who participated in our study, our multiple community partners, and The Department of Health and Human Services for funding this research project (Health Resources and Services Administration, Allied Health Special Projects, grant no. D37HP02904.)