LAUSR

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Participatory implementation methods are needed in geriatric healthcare to improve care and services for a growing population of older adults. We describe an efficient participatory approach to improve uptake of GRECC Connect, a national geriatrics outpatient consultation service using telehealth technology to connect geriatric specialists to rural, older veterans though community-based clinics. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We designed a three-phase participatory method to identify high-priority implementation strategies to support uptake of GRECC Connect. We used the CFIR-ERIC Strategy Matching Tool to derive expert-recommended implementation strategies informed by qualitative interviews with both GRECC Connect staff and clinicians at community-based clinics. We engaged expert panelists in a participatory two-step modified e-Delphi process using confidential surveys and discussion to prioritize strategies nationally. RESULTS Qualitative interviews revealed barriers, facilitators, and recommendations for program uptake. Many strategies recommended by CFIR-ERIC addressed multiple barriers but needed to be tailored to our specific context. In our two-step e-Delphi process, expert panelists shared previous experience with the strategies presented, views on the importance and feasibility of each, and arrived at consensus about which strategies to prioritize nationally. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS We demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of engaging subject matter experts to identify strategies to be tested on a national level. Future considerations include weighting of survey responses, accounting for regional differences, and sensitivity of Likert scales used in the e-Delphi process.