Sparking Research Uptake and System Evolution for Seniors’ Healthcare: Insights from Western Canada

BACKGROUND: Healthcare research and evidence uptake to improve seniors' health can be characterized by persistent gaps and glacial progress. OBJECTIVE: This qualitative study draws on interviews with 15 experts to explore avenues for improving research evidence uptake to support necessary health system transformation, and improved person-centred care for older adults. METHODS: Qualitative data were analyzed deductively using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research as a guiding conceptual framework, followed by inductive coding to capture additional emerging themes. FINDINGS: Three themes were identified through thematic analysis: (1) Context: Local Conditions and Leadership; (2) Culture: Building a Collaborative Research Environment; and (3) Creativity: Adaptive Problem-Solving given Resource Constraints. DISCUSSION: Together, these themes illuminate the conditions under which evidence uptake and care delivery transformation are most achievable in seniors' healthcare.