AGS Position Statement on Interdisciplinary Team Training in Geriatrics

The American Geriatrics Society recently release a Position Statement on Interdisciplinary Team Training in Geriatrics.  The statement was created by the Partnership for Health in Aging (PHA), a coalition of more than 30 organizations representing health professionals who care for older adults.  A PHA workgroup was convened to review the literature on interdisciplinary team training (IDT) and to develop this position statement, intended to guide and influence groups involved in the development of IDT academic and continuing education training.

Some key points from the statement:

·         IDT’s are an essential component of a comprehensive and integrated care system

·         The complex health problems of older adults requires the expertise and care of multiple healthcare professionals

·         Although healthcare professionals are often required to work in team environments, most have not had sufficient opportunities to learn with, or from, other healthcare professionals

·         Academic and continuing education training have thus far not kept up with the demand of increased IDT education

·         In order to function well as part of an IDT, healthcare professionals require hands-on training and experience, such as training through role playing

·         Professional associations, accreditation bodies, credentialing and licensing groups need to increase their advocacy efforts in support of IDT education

For more information and to read the statement in full, please visit http://bit.ly/1sJGLbv.