Embedding and Sustaining a Focus on Function in Specialty Research and Care

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Geriatric Medicine
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Maintaining function and independence in daily activities is vital for older adults.
• Function is increasingly recognized as important across medical and surgical fields, beyond geriatrics.
• Consistent integration of functional perspectives into clinical practice remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify scientific gaps in understanding and implementing function in older adult care.
• To recommend research strategies for advancing the integration of function into clinical practice.
• To foster a transdisciplinary approach to functional care for older adults.

Main Methods:

• Summarized presentations and discussions from a workshop on "Embedding/Sustaining a Focus on Function in Specialty Research and Care."
• Included transdisciplinary leaders discussing mobility programs, functional assessments (e.g., comprehensive geriatric assessment), and cognitive/sensory function.
• Explored the role of culture, environment, community, and health systems in functional care.

Main Results:

• Emphasized aligning goals and assessments for older adults.
• Highlighted the need for innovative methods to identify functional limitations and facilitate gains.
• Stressed the importance of a team science approach involving clinicians and frontline staff.

Conclusions:

• A transdisciplinary, team science approach is essential for embedding function into older adult care.
• Further research is needed to address scientific gaps and implement effective functional interventions.
• Integrating functional assessments and strategies can improve independence and daily activity performance in older populations.