Cross-disciplinary training in delivery of integrated geriatric mental health care: A pilot study.

Abstract

Introduction: The appropriate assessment and treatment of depression in older adults is critical to promoting the quality of life as well as reducing the risk for physical conditions such as frailty. Medical and mental health care clinicians working in integrated care settings are distinctly positioned to provide depression care for older adults; yet, there is a lack of sufficient training at the intersection of depression and frailty among older adults.

Method: To address this gap in training, we developed a four-module, 60-min multidisciplinary, web-based training entitled, "Assessing and Treating Depressed and Frail Older Adults in Integrated Primary Care." The feasibility, participant reaction (acceptability and utility), and learning outcomes of the training were assessed with a sample (N = 25 completers) of clinical psychology graduate students and medical residents during the 2022-2023 academic year.

Results: Overall, participants were receptive to the training, and the training resulted in improved knowledge as measured by pre- and postcontent questions.

Discussion: The findings suggest that, despite certain barriers to implementation, cross-disciplinary training on geriatric mental health has promising feasibility and can result in enhanced learning for medical and clinical psychology trainees. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).