FC37: How Can We Enhance Mental Health Care for Older Adults?

Abstract

Objectives: With the global growth of the population of older adults, the prevalence of mental health disorders in this age group is also increasing. Despite the high demand for prompt access to specialized care, referrals to geriatric psychiatry are still disproportionately low, as suggested by the review of current epidemiological studies. Research data evaluating referral patterns to geriatric specialists are limited and indicate that primary care providers play a key role in the referral process.

Methods: As a part of a year-long Archstone Learning Collaborative, a group of geriatric psychiatrists has had monthly meetings discussing various contemporary issues in geriatric psychiatry. One of the projects was to clarify a decision-making process for medical professionals and caregivers, to help them determine when to refer to geriatric specialists, including geriatric psychiatrists.

Results: We reviewed the most common criteria for referral to geriatric psychiatrists and other specialists with overlapping expertise in geriatric mental health care. We have worked on a diagram and a flowchart to help navigate the referral process. To empower primary care providers and other medical professionals, we created a flyer for caregivers, educating them on what signs and symptoms may indicate the need for seeking a referral to geriatric psychiatrists.

Discussion: Encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and streamlining referral processes are crucial to fulfilling the increasing demand for geriatric psychiatry services. To guarantee older adults receive the specialized care they need, it is important to raise awareness among various medical professionals regarding the referral criteria and the roles of different geriatric specialty providers. Caregivers are essential to the referral process because they can identify warning signs and symptoms and seek referrals. Overall, this presentation offers insightful information about the referral process to geriatric psychiatry, intending to enhance access to mental health care for older adults with mental health disorders.