Geropsychology training in a VA nursing home setting

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Gerontology
• Healthcare Education

Background:

• Growing demand for professional psychology services in nursing homes.
• Nursing home environments are ideal for developing geropsychology expertise.
• Existing predoctoral and postdoctoral fellowship programs can be adapted for this setting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a nursing home training component within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Predoctoral Internship and Geropsychology Postdoctoral Fellowship programs.
• To outline training objectives focused on increasing exposure, competencies, and confidence in nursing home practice.
• To detail the training model, including competencies, activities, supervision, and evaluation.

Main Methods:

• Description of the local VA nursing home training setting.
• Implementation of a structured training model for interns and fellows.
• Inclusion of group supervision and peer support as key training activities.
• Utilizing the flexibility of the VA healthcare system for integrated service and training.

Main Results:

• Increased intern and fellow exposure and interest in nursing home practice.
• Enhanced competencies in psychological assessment, intervention, and consultation for geriatric populations.
• Greater confidence among trainees regarding the psychologist's role in medically oriented geriatric care.
• Group supervision and peer support identified as crucial elements for successful training.

Conclusions:

• Nursing home settings are effective for training psychologists in geropsychology.
• The described VA training model successfully enhances key competencies and confidence.
• The VA system provides a flexible framework for delivering psychological services and training in nursing homes.