Stakeholder engagement: supporting innovation in aged care

Aim: This study aimed to understand stakeholder engagement in aged care by examining four key objectives: who was engaged, how they were engaged, the factors that supported their engagement, and the outcomes realized from the process. 

Introduction: The aged care sector must innovate to meet increased service demand, staff shortages, insufficient funding, and rising client expectations. Effective innovation in this sector requires meaningful stakeholder engagement, yet the definitions and processes surrounding engagement are often ambiguous and criticized for being tokenistic. 

Eligibility criteria: We conducted a descriptive secondary analysis of data from a scoping review that examined factors affecting the implementation of innovations in community and residential aged care settings. 

Methods: Data were inductively coded based on the four key objectives. The findings were validated and interpreted in collaboration with a Research Advisory Group composed of aged care clients, staff, and sector representatives. 

Results: The majority of studies engaged aged care staff, with limited involvement of clients, families, and the community. Approaches encouraging open communication and collaboration fostered stronger participation and relationships. Clear information, resources, and leadership support improved outcomes, enhanced staff capability, and built stakeholder trust. 

Conclusions: Our study underscores the importance of meaningful stakeholder engagement in implementing innovations within the aged care sector. Expanding involvement to ensure clients, family members, and the wider community are involved could enhance outcomes. Adopting more interactive and inclusive approaches also fosters equitable participation, ensuring that diverse perspectives contribute to the success of these innovations.