Bringing Transdisciplinary Aging Research From Theory to Practice.

There is a growing emphasis to use a transdisciplinary team approach to accelerate innovations in science to solve complex conditions associated with aging. However, the optimal organizational structure and process for how to accomplish transdisciplinary team science is unclear. In this forum, we illustrate our team's experience using transdisciplinary approaches to solve challenging and persistent problems for older adults living in urban communities. We describe our challenges and successes using the National Institutes of Health four-phase model of transdisciplinary team-based research. Using a de-identified survey, the team conducted an internal evaluation to identify features that created challenges including structural incongruities, interprofessional blind spots, group function, and group dynamics. This work resulted in the creation of the team's Transdisciplinary Conceptual Model. This model became essential to understanding the complex interplay between societal factors, community partners, and academic partners. Conducting internal evaluations of transdisciplinary team processes is integral for teams to move beyond the multi- and interdisciplinary niche and to reach true transdisciplinary success. More research is needed to develop measures that assess team transdisciplinary integration. Once the process of transdisciplinary integration can be reliably assessed, the next step would be to determine the impact of transdisciplinary team science initiatives on aging communities.

Geriatric Opioid Harm Reduction: Interprofessional Student Learning Outcomes.

Objective: Opioid harm reduction is increasingly important in the care of the older adults, who are at higher risk for negative opioid-related outcomes due to high prevalence of pain, multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and age-changes in metabolism. Our project aims to develop, implement, and evaluate an interprofessional opioid harm reduction service training. Method: This evaluation occurs in context of the Richmond Health and Wellness Program (RHWP), a community-based interprofessional wellness care coordination equity initiative, within buildings designated for low-income and disabled older adults. The geriatric opioid harm reduction training was delivered online and inperson, and followed up with case-discussions and practice. Findings: Pre (n = 69)/post (n = 62) student assessments indicated that after the training, there was an increase in knowledge. At follow-up, 60% recognized tramadol as an opioid, 50% at baseline. About 97% correctly indicated that MME represents morphine milligram equivalent, 80% at baseline. About 93% indicated that 50 MME level greatly increases opioid overdose risk, 62% at baseline. Only 20%, change from 60% at baseline, reported not being able to calculate MME at post assessment. Conclusion: Findings indicate that geriatric opioid harm reduction training within community-based wellness care coordination is feasible. Future works need to explore the impact on student practice in clinical settings and resident health.