CHARTING THE OUTCOMES OF AN INTERDISCIPLINARY SUMMER INSTITUTE ON GERONTOLOGY

The multiple and complex needs of the elderly require interdisciplinar y collaboration among many different professionals to provide comprehe nsive care. As a result, educators must develop interdisciplinary prog rams and learning experiences that address educational needs and facil itate a better understanding of the various roles and expertise of pro viders from many fields. Using the framework of a program evaluation m odel, the Charting the Outcomes of Educational and Clinical Approaches model, this article addresses the outcomes and effects of an interdis ciplinary approach to continuing gerontological education used by one summer institute on gerontology. Over its 12-year history, this instit ute has attracted more than 2,600 participants from many professions a nd occupations The interdisciplinary approach of the Summer Institute has been evident in its planning committees, the delivery of diversifi ed programs by a variety of providers, the facilitation of informal ne tworking among registrants, and the organization of group discussions that bring together professionals and learners from different discipli nes to communicate and collaborate on mutual concerns regarding aging issues One theme on case management, which addressed policy and practi cal issues related to service delivery for the elderly, was presented by representatives from academia government, the nonprofit service sec tor, and consumers do an audience of providers from various fields inc luding business, gerontology, health promotion, nursing occupational t herapy, psychology, recreation, social work, and sociology. The succes s of the interdisciplinary approach to gerontological education used b y the institute has helped to establish McMaster University as a Canad ian leader in this field of continuing education.