Characteristics and consequences of participatory research approaches in long-term care facilities for older adults: a meta-ethnography of qualitative studies

Abstract

Background: Participatory research approaches can potentially empower older adults and improve their quality of life and care. These include research designs, methods, and conceptual frameworks in collaboration with people directly involved and invested in the research and research outcomes. However, participatory research approaches have rarely been explored in long-term care facilities for older adults, such as nursing homes or residential care facilities. We aimed to provide increased understanding and recommendations about how participatory research approaches can be conceptualised and used in long-term care facilities for older adults.

Methods: Inspired by Noblit and Hare (1988) and the seven phases of the eMERGe guidelines (2019), we performed a meta-ethnography (synthesis of qualitative research). We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, ERIC, Sociological Abstracts, and Web of science in July 2021 and June 2022 for studies published between Jan 1, 2001, and June 27, 2022 (see appendix for search terms). We included peer-reviewed qualitative publications on participatory research approaches with older adults or staff in long-term care facilities, written in English. To promote rigour, a protocol was used with two authors independently screening the articles, reaching consensus through critical discussions with a third author, and using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist. We extracted data regarding types of participatory research approaches and themes. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42021275187.

Findings: Ten of 1445 articles screened were included in the analysis. Using seven types of participatory research approaches, the included studies investigated experiences of approximately 153 residents and 99 staff from seven countries (Australia, Belgium, England, Guyana, Ireland, Sweden, and the Netherlands). We identified five themes, expressed as a conceptual model with recommendations: (1) participatory backdrop; (2) collaborative places; (3) seeking common ground and solidarity; (4) temporal considerations; and (5) empowerment, growth, and cultural change. We recommend researchers allow flexible time for the slow-paced progression and potentially unintended consequences of this emergent approach.

Interpretation: This meta-ethnography provides an international and systematic synthesis of a diverse group of small-scale qualitative studies, which are, however, limited by insufficient reporting of participants' age, gender, or ethnicity.

Funding: The Strategic Research Area in Health Care Science (SFO-V) at Karolinska Institutet and the Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare (FORTE).