A Process Evaluation of Developing Older Adult Research Advisory Boards in Long-term Care Settings

Background: Enhancing the capacity of researchers, providers and older adults to collaborate in research is critical for promoting relevant, useful research findings. Objectives: The Sages in Every Setting project aimed to disseminate a flexible model for developing research advisory boards (RABs) comprised of older adults receiving long-term services and supports (LTSS) via partnerships between academic researchers and LTSS providers. Methods: Process evaluation assessed the feasibility of using resources to develop RABs. Partners sought regular feedback from facilitators and RAB members, which was shared with the evaluator. The evaluator conducted regular debriefings with academic partners and observed some RAB meetings. Lessons Learned: The development of RABs was impacted by pre-existing collaborations, characteristics of providers, flexible use of the resources, facilitator capacity, member capacity, and researcher capacity. Conclusions: Developing RABs was feasible. Long-term partnerships between research institutions and LTSS providers that serve diverse populations could improve successful dissemination of this model.