Professional associations can nurture interdisciplinary partnerships: serving rural elders, a case study

Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, Ahead of Print. Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a case study that illustrates how professional associations can provide the context for development of formal and informal interdisciplinary collaboration, and promote advancement and dissemination of useful knowledge among disciplines and across geographic boundaries. This case study reports work of the Rural Aging Special Interest Group of the Gerontological Society of America to develop and disseminate approaches that leverage existing resources for the provision of services to rural elders. The roles of networks in developing and supporting these partnerships and the importance of such partnerships are described. Design/methodology/approach This paper reports how several interdisciplinary partnerships have leveraged existing resources to better meet the unique needs of rural elders and describes how a professional association facilitated the process of creation and dissemination of knowledge about this approach. An overview of the process is provided with additional insights and examples. Findings While addressing the unique needs of rural elders can sometimes prove challenging, a number of entities have developed successful interdisciplinary partnerships that have expanded resources and improved effectiveness in addressing these challenges. Originality/value Professional associations can and have played a key role in supporting creative interdisciplinary and internatio...
Source: Quality in Ageing and Older Adults - Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research