Original Articles
The Collaborative Model of Mental Health Care for Older Iowans

Research in Gerontological Nursing  Vol. 3 No. 3 July 2010

By Brian P. Kaskie, PhD; Kathleen C. Buckwalter, PhD, RN, FAAN

ABSTRACT

Collaborative models of mental health care, such as Improving Mood—Promoting Access to Collaborative Treatment (IMPACT) and Primary Care Research in Substance Abuse and Mental Health for the Elderly (PRISM-E), have become a standard, evidence-based approach in providing care to older adults with depression. This article describes the development, evaluation, and sustainability plans for a new model, the Collaborative Model of Mental Health Care for Older Iowans (the Iowa Model). The Iowa Model reflects a state-of-the-art approach relative to existing collaborative models targeting older adults. This model allows for a greater range of mental health problems to be identified and treated, facilitates flexibility in staffing and other site-specific operations, requires formal diagnostic assessments, and supports a treatment plan that goes well beyond symptom-specific, time-limited approaches. Importantly, the Iowa Model features an implementation strategy that focuses on the administrative and financing operations needed to ensure successful development.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Dr. Kaskie is Associate Professor, The University of Iowa College of Public Health, Department of Health Management and Policy; and Dr. Buckwalter is Sally Mathis Hartwig Professor of Gerontological Nursing Research and Director, John A. Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence, The University of Iowa College of Nursing, Iowa City, Iowa.

The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity. This work was supported by National Institute of Mental Health grant 5R24MH074756-02 and a contract awarded by the Iowa Department of Human Services. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of any of the funding, academic, or governmental institutions involved. The authors thank Julie Bobitt, Angie Hoth, Mike Kelly, Joel Olah, and Lila Starr for their assistance with development of the Collaborative Model of Mental Health Care for Older Iowans.

Address correspondence to Brian P. Kaskie, PhD, Associate Professor, The University of Iowa College of Public Health, Department of Health Management and Policy, 200 Hawkins Drive, E-230 GH, Iowa City, IA 52242; e-mail: brian-kaskie@uiowa.edu.

Received: October 20, 2009; Accepted: April 29, 2010; Posted: June 30, 2010

doi:10.3928/19404921-20100603-99