Adapting collaborative depression care for public community long-term care: using research-practice partnerships

Area of Science:

• Implementation Science
• Geriatric Mental Health
• Healthcare Adaptation Strategies

Background:

• Collaborative depression care models show promise for older adults.
• Public community long-term care agencies face challenges in implementing specialized care.
• Research-practice partnerships (RPPs) offer a framework for adapting evidence-based interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the benefits and strategies of using an RPP to adapt collaborative depression care.
• To document the adaptation process within public community long-term care agencies serving older adults.
• To highlight the skills needed for researchers in implementation science.

Main Methods:

• A sequential, multi-phase, mixed-methods case study approach was employed.
• Systematic adaptation strategies were documented, including leveraging existing RPPs.
• Stakeholder consultation across multiple levels and disciplines was integral.

Main Results:

• RPPs facilitate the adaptation of complex interventions like collaborative depression care.
• Balancing demands of treatment fidelity, clinical outcomes, and implementation results is crucial.
• Successful adaptation involves navigating competing priorities between research and practice.

Conclusions:

• RPPs are valuable for tailoring collaborative depression care to the unique needs of long-term care settings.
• Implementation science researchers require strong negotiation skills to bridge research and practice.
• The described adaptation process provides a model for similar initiatives.