Organizing a staff development department: the Fort Logan Model.

The staff development department at the Fort Logan Mental Health Center in Denver was created to increase interdisciplinary coordination and participation in student- and continuing-education programs. A great deal of interdisciplinary competition was evident at the beginning. Eventually, continued interaction and expanding needs for members' skills eliminated most competition, and staff were able to learn from one another. Most of the staff now have multiple capabilities and are effective not only in teaching but also in systems intervention. The department's services include a preservice program, which is responsible for student and professional training programs; inservice- and continuing-education programs; and a consultation program.