Evidence-based interventions with older adults: concluding thoughts

Authors:
KROPF Nancy P., CUMMINGS Sherry M.
Journal article citation:
Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 50(S1), 2008, pp.345-355.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA

This paper summarises the findings of the systematic reviews of psychosocial interventions reported in this issue of the journal, identifying effective intervention approaches for physical health problems, mental health problems and particular social roles (end of life care, family carers, grandparent carers, people with developmental disabilities and their carers). Problems with psychosocial intervention research are noted, including the small size and methodological weakness of many studies, a failure to report the details of an intervention and its implementation, and lack of consensus over which outcomes should be measured. Future research studies need to be larger, more robustly designed and with long term follow-up. They also need to cover more diverse populations (e.g. ethnic minority groups) and more diverse topics in addition to the problems of functional decline. (Copies of this article are available from: Haworth Document Delivery Centre, Haworth Press Inc., 10 Alice Street,  Binghamton, NY 13904-1580).

Subject terms:
older people, outcomes, psychosocial intervention, research methods;
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN online:
1540-4048
ISSN print:
0163-4372

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