A MODEL TO BUILD COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH OR EDUCATIONAL TEAMS OF HEALTH-PROFESSIONALS IN GERONTOLOGY

We present a five-stage model of collaboration that draws on key const ructs from social exchange theory and the literature on team building. The constructs of social exchange, negotiation, role differentiation, and an environment of trust structure the activities that occur in ea ch stage of the model and provide a systematic, theoretically grounded approach to the formation of collaborative research or educational te ams. The model pairs academic faculty and health care practitioners wi th unique areas of gerontological expertise, clinical skill, and other complementary resources. Individuals form a group and work cooperativ ely to develop and implement a research or educational project in agin g. The linkages facilitate the formation of projects that represent th e integration of theoretical or academic Knowledge with applied or pra ctice-based mastery regarding older adults and their health care needs . The model ensures that projects are based on substantive gerontologi cal knowledge and reflect the real-life health care needs of the elder ly. Key theoretical constructs explain how and why individuals' action s contribute to effective collaboration, advancing the understanding a nd practice of such activity.