ASSESSING TRAINING NEEDS OF GERIATRIC SERVICE PROVIDERS - PROGRAM RATIONALE AND FOCUS GROUP OUTCOMES

To address gerontology training needs, a comprehensive, multifaceted, convergent statewide assessment was conducted in the state of Georgia as an initial step to developing a university-based Gerontology Outrea ch Program for providing continuing education. This article is the fir st of three describing the design, implementation, and outcome of the needs assessment approach, which included focus groups, a telephone su rvey, and site visits. Three focus groups were organized and conducted to identify training content and issues related to training. Parallel methods were used to conduct each focus group. Participants identifie d and prioritized topics, target audiences, and preferred delivery met hods for training in gerontology. Among the training issues identified were barriers tied to funding, time, location of training, and lack o f coordination and collaboration among resources. The results undersco re the need for coordinated continuing education program planning in g erontology.