Building the Geropsychology Workforce: A National Survey and Virtual Conference Define Critical Obstacles and Steps...

Area of Science:

• Geropsychology
• Health Workforce Studies
• Psychology

Background:

• A significant shortage exists in the number of psychologists prepared to work with older adults, exacerbating the geriatric workforce crisis.
• Perceptions indicate a worsening trend in this shortage, impacting the availability of specialized care for an aging population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and implementation of a national virtual conference designed to generate solutions for the geropsychology workforce shortage.
• To identify barriers and strategies related to aging-focused positions, student interest, and diversity within academic geropsychology.

Main Methods:

• A preconference survey (n=174) assessed the extent of the workforce shortage and related issues.
• A 2-day national virtual conference facilitated the development and prioritization of strategies by attendees.
• Postconference surveys gauged interest in volunteering, leading to the formation of seven work groups.

Main Results:

• The preconference survey revealed insufficient applicants for aging-targeted positions (58.6%) and decreased student interest (43.7%), leading to recruitment challenges.
• Consequences include hiring individuals without aging expertise (32.3%), funding difficulties (28.7%), and position loss (27.0%).
• Over 40% perceived these issues have worsened in the past five years.

Conclusions:

• A national virtual conference effectively addressed geropsychology workforce concerns, fostering collaboration and idea generation.
• The conference led to the formation of work groups actively addressing identified issues.
• Virtual conferences offer an inclusive and cost-effective platform for promoting positive change in the geropsychology field.