Learning Objective #1: The learner will be able to describe one process of translating a depression guideline for older adults into clinical tools.

Learning Objective #2: The learner will be able to describe use of available technology to bring a depression guideline and tools to clinicians.

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Mental health is an important part of aging; it plays a key role with the cognitive and emotional health of older adults. Depression can pose serious problems which increase morbidity, mortality and impact the quality of life for the elderly. Two initiatives in Canada allowed us to draw on research in this area: the Canadian Coalition for Seniors' Mental Health was established in 2002 to lead and facilitate the development of evidence-based recommendations for best-practice in key areas of seniors' mental health. One of the national guidelines addresses depression (2006). The second initiative, the National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly is a network of researchers, practitioners and students dedicated to improving the care of older adults, both in Canada and abroad by translating knowledge into practice. This presentation draws on these initiatives and represents a broad spectrum of disciplines and professions. The major challenges of bringing guidelines into practice include: professionals who are working in a variety of facilities and family/community practices, professionals who find they have little time for education and who would like current findings provided in user-friendly forms for their practice. For researchers and academics a challenge is whether the knowledge is being used in practice. The two teams who worked on the depression guideline and translating it into practice have used the computer/internet and teleconference technologies to overcome these challenges. The search processes, the survey of practitioners to determine knowledge and tool needs, the education sessions using Fireside Chats and the subsequent evaluation of the usefulness of the guideline and tools all have used modern technology to dialogue with professionals in different geographical and clinical settings. The presentation will discuss the process and will invite those in attendance to engage in dialogue concerning the tools and technology options for translating best-practice knowledge into use.