Stages of Development in the Life of an Academic Interdisciplinary Team in Geriatrics

Abstract An interdisciplinary faculty group was established to guide and administer the Hunter/Mount Sinai Geriatric Education Center whose purpose was to educate health care professionals in interdisciplinary geriatric care. Background on interdisciplinary teams is presented and the eleven-year history of this academic team is described. Erikson's developmental model, with its progression of crises which must be resolved at successive stages of development, is used as a framework for outlining the team's life span. Team behaviors, relevant incidents, and outcomes of the team's development are discussed. This reminiscence of this team's experiences is offered as a legacy for others who work to develop the interdisciplinary team approach.