Conceptual and Methodological Problems in Studying the Effects of Interdisciplinary Geriatric Teams

Abstract

Despite the frequent claims of the superiority of interdisciplinary teams over more usual care patterns, systematic studies of the effectiveness of geriatric interdisciplinary teams are rare. Illustrated by a review of recent studies are the difficult conceptual and methodological problems encountered by investigators. Such problems include those of basic research design, construct validity, populations targeted, and outcomes measured. Finally, future research directions are suggested.