Improving Geropsychology Competencies of Veterans Affairs Psychologists

Abstract

Older adults are more likely to seek mental health care through integrated care settings such as primary care. Currently, there exists a significant shortage of mental health providers trained in geropsychology and integrated care competencies. To address this need within the Veterans Health Administration, a national workforce development program was extended to include psychologists, which is called the Geriatric Scholars Program‐Psychology Track (GSP‐P). The GSP‐P has two overarching educational program aims: (1) to improve geropsychology competencies of practicing VA psychologists, particularly those working within integrated settings (e.g., primary care) and (2) enrich psychologists' abilities to enact change in their clinical settings. Ninety‐eight VA clinicians participated in the GSP‐P, which includes a multi‐day in‐person course, from 2014 to 2018. Participants completed measures assessing confidence and self‐reported knowledge in geropsychology and integrated care competencies pre‐course and 3‐months post‐completion. Two‐weeks post‐course participants responded to open‐ended survey questions regarding their perceptions of the course and potential applications of learning. Significant improvements in confidence in and knowledge of geropsychology and integrated care competencies emerged from pre‐course to 3‐months post‐completion. Qualitative findings demonstrated that participants valued the face‐to‐face, integrated multimodal educational program. Findings provided insights regarding clinicians' planned application of the knowledge acquired, such as modifying treatments for older patients. Specialized workforce programs such as the GSP‐P have a significant, positive impact on the care of older Veterans.

Home-based primary care–mental health integration in the Veterans Health Administration: An updated evaluation of practice patterns.

“…For example, efforts are underway to expand geriatric telemental health consultation services (Alfaro et al, 2022) via the regional VHA Clinical Resource Hubs, which provide virtual primary, mental health, and specialty care services for veterans living in areas with staffing gaps. Likewise, VHA is implementing multiple programs to enhance geriatric care competencies for its workforce, including those in HBPC, such as the Geriatric Scholars program (Kramer et al, 2016), which includes psychologists (Huh et al, 2021), and Age-Friendly Health Systems (Fulmer et al, 2018 and see https://marketplace.va.gov/innovations/age-friendly-health-systems).…”

Preparing Veterans Health Administration Psychologists to Meet the Complex Needs of Aging Veterans

“…Following participation in the program, we have found a significant increase in confidence in geropsychology practice among clinicians, as well as enhanced knowledge and skills across competency domains. 15,19 We have observed rising attendance in our annual webinar series and graduates of our introductory courses participate in subsequent trainings (eg, advanced workshop or virtual practicum). Several graduates of GSP-P have become board certified in geropsychology by the American Board of Geropsychology and many proceed to supervise geropsychology-focused clinical rotations for psychology practicum students, predoctoral interns, and postdoctoral fellows.…”

“…18 Evaluations demonstrate significant improvement in scholars' confidence in related program development and management from precourse to 3 months postcourse. 15…”

“…The previously published evaluation findings demonstrated significant improvements from precourse to 3 months postcourse in confidence and knowledge in 4 key areas of geropsychology: General knowledge about adult development and aging, assessment, intervention, and consultation. 15 These domains align with the Pikes Peak Geropsychology Competencies and are measured by a subset of items from the Geropsychology Knowledge and Skills Assessment Tool. 13,16 As of October 2023, 8 introductory courses have been held with 173 participants (Table ).…”