Evidence Supporting the Effectiveness of IDTs

According to evidence in the scientific literature, using an IDT in the care of older adults can lead to better continuity and quality of care, improved health outcomes, and lower costs.^4-6 Other benefits of team care include enhanced communication among healthcare providers, improved patient safety, improved care of common chronic illnesses, better medication adherence, fewer adverse drug reactions, preservation of function, and decreased hospital readmissions.⁷  In a recent systematic review, multidimensional home assessment programs have been shown to reduce disability burden among older adults, although the effect on decreasing nursing home admissions has not been consistent in all patient groups.⁸ In the hospital, numerous randomized clinical trials support comprehensive geriatric assessment as an important tool for evaluating the needs of frail elderly inpatients and for determining appropriate interventions.⁹ Interdisciplinary care has likewise been demonstrated to be useful in the outpatient setting ^{5, 6, 10-12} as well as in skilled nursing facilities.^{13, 14}