Models of Interdisciplinary Geriatric Care Teams
With a rise in the number of elderly individuals who need care, it is of the essence to understand the various models of interdisciplinary geriatric care teams. One of the factors that create a difference in the roles of the members of the geriatric interdisciplinary teams in the care setting. The older adults receive care in acute care settings, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers among others (Deschodt et al., 2016). As an advanced practice nurse working in an acute care setting, I associate with other nurses in drawing care plans, provision of practical care, and conducting check-ups for the older adults that I interact with. The provision of care to the older adults in my care setting involves the setting of goals as a team to ensure coordination and proper collaboration. Communication is equally prioritized to ensure that the coordination of care is as expected.
The interdisciplinary models in sub-acute settings such as rehabilitation and nursing homes differ in certain aspects. Nursing homes, for example, factor in the input of social workers who actively participate in the care provision (Hickman, et al., 2015). Social workers may not be available in the acute care setting. Besides, the type of physical presence upheld by the interdisciplinary team in a rehabilitation center or nursing home is different from the coordination in the primary/acute care setting. Interdisciplinary teams in primary/acute care settings are less likely to meet compared to those in nursing homes (Deschodt et al., 2016). Besides, I feel that the roles of advanced practice nurses change according to the site of care. The care provided for individuals in an acute care facility requires close coordination between the physician and an advanced practice nurse. The physicians help with the diagnosis of the patients as the advanced practice nurses participate in the care process. The coordination between advanced practice nurses and social workers is required in the provision of care for elderly adults in rehabilitation and nursing homes.
Case Study 1
The provided information in the case study indicates that Mrs. Martinez has her daughter as a caregiver. The daughter proposes that she should consult a social worker and secure a slot in a nursing home. The provision case for Mrs. Martinez will require the advanced practice nurse to closely coordinate with the social worker in case she is placed in a nursing home. The coordination of care ensures that the members of the interdisciplinary team providing care for Mrs. Martinez develop care goals together and consult the best intervention to employ in reducing her health risks. The advanced practice nurse may help in developing the care plans that are in turn used by the social worker and other members of the interdisciplinary team (Conroy & Turpin, 2016).
References
Conroy, S. P., & Turpin, S. (2016). New horizons: urgent care for older people with frailty. Age and aging, 45(5), 577-584.
Deschodt, M., Claes, V., Van Grootven, B., Van den Heede, K., Flamaing, J., Boland, B., & Milisen, K. (2016). Structure and processes of interdisciplinary geriatric consultation teams in acute care hospitals: A scoping review. International journal of nursing studies, 55, 98-114.
Hickman, L. D., Phillips, J. L., Newton, P. J., Halcomb, E. J., Al Abed, N., & Davidson, P. M. (2015). Multidisciplinary team interventions to optimize health outcomes for older people in acute care settings: a systematic review. Archives of gerontology and geriatrics, 61(3), 322-329.