Engaging older adults in health care research and policy: Guidelines from the CHOICE project

Abstract

Introduction: Engaging the community in health care research and planning has been recognized as an important component of system improvement (1). The input and involvement of older persons is particularly critical, given that older adults are high users of the health care system, but are often excluded from health research studies. Unfortunately, guidelines for how to engage older adults in these initiatives are not readily available in the literature. Aim: Guidelines for engaging older adults and their families in health care research and policy will be presented, based on the CHOICE (Choosing Healthcare Options by Involving Canada’s Elderly) knowledge synthesis project. Methods: In the CHOICE project, we conducted a realist synthesis (2-3) of available knowledge on strategies for engagement of older adults and their families (including other informal caregivers) in health care. The search methodology was informed by a framework for realist syntheses (4) as well as Arksey and O'Malley’s (5) design considerations for scoping reviews. Our synthesis encompassed theoretical frameworks and peer-reviewed and grey literature. Expert consultation included interviews with academics (n=5), two focus group interviews with seniors and families, and two half-day workshops organized with our partner Patients Canada.