As Institute of Medicine Readies Report on Geriatrics Workforce for Release, AGS Explores Avenues to Help Disseminate and Advance Key Recommendations

Preparing for the upcoming release of the Institute of Medicine's (IOM) much anticipated report on meeting the needs of the aging US population, the American Geriatrics Society is investigating venues and strategies for helping disseminate the report's findings and bringing key recommendations to fruition.

The IOM study, slated for release in late March or early April, will include an evaluation of the geriatrics and gerontology workforce and a blueprint for geriatrics care for the 21st century - during which the number of Americans 65 and older will top 86 million. The AGS proposed a study along these lines in its seminal 2005 report, Caring for Older Americans: The Future of Geriatric Medicine, and advocated for the IOM initiative. The panel conducting the Institute study includes several AGS members, and the Society and other organizations will support the IOM in its efforts to disseminate the study's findings.

Previous IOM studies, including those focused on nursing home regulation and healthcare quality, have led to significant healthcare reforms - particularly when followed by concerted efforts to effect study recommendations. The Institute, however, is prohibited from drafting or advocating for specific legislation. AGS is committed to working with all interested parties to form a broad-based alliance to advocate for policies and initiatives designed to implement the study's recommendations. The John A. Hartford Foundation and The Atlantic Philanthropies are supporting efforts to form such an alliance among stakeholders.

Prior to the release of the IOM report in late March or early April, AGS representatives will meet with the IOM to discuss how the Society can best support dissemination of the study's findings. As a first step, AGS is currently recruiting volunteers for its 2008 Hill Visits Program - a portion of the briefing materials for the program will emanate directly from the IOM report. The Society already has an IOM Task Force that has, among other things, offered the IOM feedback on the questions on which the study has focused. Members of the task force will also pay a role in reviewing the study's recommendations and will work with AGS to help advance key recommendations.