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Geropsychology and psychogeriatrics in Portugal: research, education and clinical training

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 July 2010

Oscar Ribeiro ,
Lia Fernandes ,
Horácio Firmino ,
Mário R. Simões  and
Constança Paúl
Oscar Ribeiro*
Affiliation:
UnIFai/ICBAS-UP and School of Health Sciences, University of Aveiro, Portugal
Lia Fernandes
Affiliation:
Psychiatry Service of HSJ/EPE and UnIFai/ICBAS, FMUP, University of Oporto, Portugal
Horácio Firmino
Affiliation:
Psychiatry Service, Coimbra University Hospitals, Portugal
Mário R. Simões
Affiliation:
Psychological Assessment Service, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Portugal
Constança Paúl
Affiliation:
UnIFai/ICBAS, University of Oporto, Portugal
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Oscar Ribeiro, School of Health Sciences of the University of Aveiro (ESSUA), Campus Universitário de Santiago, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal, Phone: +351234401558, Fax: +351234401597. Email: oribeiro@ua.pt.
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Abstract

Background: In response to the global challenges of population aging in Portugal, it is crucial to improve research, education and clinical training in old age in order to meet the growing demands placed on psychogeriatric care services.

Methods: An overview is provided on the status of old age psychology and psychiatry as part of the multidisciplinary care delivery system for the elderly in Portugal. Available educational offerings and clinical training in geriatric mental health at both undergraduate and postgraduate level are described, as well as primary research associations and initiatives within Portugal.

Results: Important issues raised include the need for more educational and clinical training programs for specialists, a broader commitment to aging research and the need to increase interest in working with older adults among students across disciplines. The recent movement towards multidisciplinary work conducted by researchers, psychiatrists, psychologist and other health professionals in Portugal points to the urgent need for specialist education for all health professionals working in geriatrics. This educational initiative must focus not only on the transmission of knowledge on aging-related topics, but also on the training of specific skills and competencies. Improving geriatric mental health service delivery and connecting research with clinical practice constitute other significant steps forward.

Conclusions: An effective intervention in psychogeriatrics should involve a strategy with the participation of a multidimensional network that includes the commitment of researchers, educators, clinicians, health policy-makers and older adults. Several recommendations to improve late life mental health care are presented.

Keywords

psychogeriatricsgeropsychologygeropsychiatryresearchclinical trainingeducationmental health
Type
Special Issue Articles
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 22 , Special Issue 6: Focus on training in psychogeriatrics , September 2010 , pp. 854 - 863
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2010

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