Published in PLOS One on 2026-05-08, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Chukwunonso Geoffrey Okafor, Augustine Chukwuebuka Okoh, Adaobi Odega, Stanley Maduagwu, Michael Kalu, Gordon Dugle, Shekhar Chauhan, Confidence Alorse Atakro
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0348887
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Collaborative care has been recognized as a fundamental aspect of geriatric/gerontological care, as it can enhance health and social outcomes among older adults. However, very little is known about Nigerian healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) awareness of disciplinary collaborations in older adults’ care. This study investigated the HCPs’ awareness (level of awareness, definitions, and perceived practice) of the disciplinary collaborations in older adults’ care during clinical practice at a tertiary hospital in the South-Eastern region of Nigeria.
We conducted a multi-method study involving 245 HCPs who responded to authors’ developed questionnaire. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
The level of awareness of disciplinary collaboration varies: intradisciplinary (65.7%), multidisciplinary (72.1%), cross-disciplinary (57.1%), interdisciplinary (76.3%), and transdisciplinary (40.8%) collaborations. Having a Bachelor’s degree (OR = 1.055, 95% CI [−0.154, 5.662], p = 0.038) and a transdisciplinary education (OR = 1.023, 95% CI [0.904, 6.646], p = 0.010) predicted better awareness of the inter-/trans]disciplinary collaborations. There was a significant change in the participants’ level of awareness of the type of disciplinary practice in their hospital before and after seeing the description of the collaborative practice constructs [X2 (2)=29.747, p < 0.001]. Barriers to higher collaborative practices in geriatric/gerontological care were inequitable remuneration (X2(2) = 4.332, p = 0.037), lack of integrated electronic medical records (X2(2) = 12.562, p = 0.002), and a limited number of specialists (X2(2) = 54.093, p < 0.001).
Achieving consensus on the definition of intra-, cross-, multi-, inter-, and transdisciplinary practice is essential for a clear understanding of the constructs, facilitating its proper implementation in geriatric care and the development of effective solutions to systemic barriers. A transdisciplinary educational curriculum could support the uptake of transdisciplinary collaborative geriatric practice models in Nigeria.
Introduction
Globally, the population of older adults is increasing rapidly, and by 2050, individuals aged 60 years and over are projected to outnumber children aged 0–14 [1]. In 2019, Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) had 31.9 million older adults (65 + years), a figure that is expected to rise to 101.4 million by 2050, reflecting a 218% increase and ranking as the second-highest percentage change globally after Northern Africa and Western Asia [2]. As the most populous country in SSA, Nigeria is projected to contribute significantly to this demographic shift, with its proportion of older adults expected to surpass that of other countries in the region [3]. These projections underscore the urgent need to plan for population aging by exploring healthcare disciplinary practice models and practices in geriatric/gerontological care within the Nigerian context.
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider hospital systems desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Chukwunonso Geoffrey Okafor, Augustine Chukwuebuka Okoh, Adaobi Odega, Stanley Maduagwu, Michael Kalu, Gordon Dugle, Shekhar Chauhan, Confidence Alorse Atakro. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
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