Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Teamwork in Geriatrics

Experience has taught us that the complex health care needs of frail elderly patients demand knowledge, skills, and expertise that no single health care disci­ pline alone can provide. It is likely that in addition to physicians and nurses, the skills of social workers, physical therapists, dietiticians, pharmacists, and psy­ chologists will be required. Furthermore, these health care professionals also may use the resources of other providers through consultative relationships. From this broad-based collaborative arrangement among health care professionals, the concept of the interdisci­ plinary geriatric team has developed. These teams bring together health providers from a variety of disciplines to assess, treat, and monitor the health status of elderly patients with multiple, complex, interacting problems. 1-4

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