Older Adult Consultation Team for Improving Care

About the Program

Category: Personnel Management, Employment and Training (Best in Category)

Year: 2011

Despite established statistical evidence identifying older adults as the largest growing segment of the population, a recent search for psychiatrists and other clinical staff reveals that few clinicians, though licensed and experienced in other age groups, have the specialized training required for provision of care for older adults. Based upon the Older Adult Consultation Team (OACT)’s model, the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health has created a novel staff development program to address the complex needs of older adults who require public access to mental health services. The program itself consists of an inter-disciplinary, collaborative approach which provides staff with specialized training, support, resources, practical knowledge, and consultation. There are three primary components to the OACT: the OACT for social workers and nurse clinicians, the OACT for psychiatrists and nurse practitioners, and the OACT Seminar which provides comprehensive training. The program focuses of providing multi-disciplinary expertise to assist in the assessment, evaluation, development, and implementation of treatment plans for older adults. There have been requests for duplication of the OACT’s model for use by the Children’s System of Care in LA County and the Jail system of Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. Plans are currently underway to establish these tracks. Further, there has been workforce development in the form of some clinicians seeking placement with Older Adult Services, which was a positive, unforeseen benefit of the program as well.