Discussion: Models of Interdisciplinary Geriatric Care Teams
Various models of interdisciplinary geriatric teams which can be applied in care for the elderly patients. Some of them include Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), the Guided Care Model, Geriatric Resources for Assessment and Care of Elderly (GRACE), and the Geriatric Floating Interdisciplinary Transition Team Model (Geri-FITT). The current practicum site where I am utilizes the PACE model of the interdisciplinary team to offer care of the patients. The team is made up of advanced care nurses, social workers, therapists, physicians, nurse practitioners, and care partners. Besides, the dietician and the primary care provider are part of the team that offers care to the patients.
The PACE model allows the team members from the different departments to interact and communicate regularly as a way of determining better practices that will enhance care for elderly patients. The PACE model is commonly used in skilled rehabilitation sites or facilities as it allows for better care offered to the patients, which leads to patient satisfaction. The other model of the interdisciplinary team used in providing care to low-income families is the GRACE model. The setting of this model is a more home-based and integrated practice that entails a nurse practitioner and social workers who work with larger interdisciplinary teams that provide care to the patients. In the guided care model, it is always the skilled nurse practitioner who heads it in an office setting to assist physicians in offering quality care to the patients. Lastly, the Gerri-FITT model focuses on elderly patients in acute care transitioning to an acute facility to start practicing personal care. The model helps the patients transit from the hospital setting with ease hence offering care to the specific needs of the patients.
The role played by the advanced nurse practitioner differs mainly based on the site of care. The role played by the advanced nurse practitioner is to act as a liaison between the care physicians and the patients in extensive healthcare facilities like a skilled rehabilitation center. They help in assessing the patients and then offer findings to the care physicians. If it is in a home or office care setting, the practitioners assume the role of the leader of both the interdisciplinary geriatric team and the facility as a whole. It thus indicates that advanced practice nurses play a significant role in providing care to geriatric patients.
The selected case is the 3rd one involving Mrs. Randall. The best model to recommend that will facilitate her care process would be the Program All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, which is also used in my site of practicum. In this context, advanced practice nurses and the care providers will perform a comprehensive assessment of the identified patient. The results of the evaluation will then help in creating a platform of collaboration for the involved team members from the various disciplines and specialties to determine the quality care that can be offered to Mrs. Randall. Besides, the team will have to come together in coming up with the best course of action that will support her process of recovery. Every area of focus will be integrated with a set of objectives and goals, and that will also Mrs. Randall offer feedback on her progress. It is also essential to share information with the patient on her health status as this will be vital for her recovery.