scholarly journals Implementation of Evidence-Based Practices in Intergenerational Programming: A Scoping Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 732-733
Author(s):  
Shannon Jarrott ◽  
Rachel Scrivano ◽  
Nancy Mendoza ◽  
Cherrie Park

Abstract Intergenerational programs facilitate mutually beneficial interactions between youth and older adults, achieving an array of outcomes. With few exceptions, implementation factors rarely figure into outcome analyses, though researchers frequently gather data on factors influencing outcomes. The resulting practice-evidence gap may deter wide-spread adoption of intergenerational programming. We conducted a scoping review of 35 peer-reviewed articles (2000-2019) to map key concepts and evidence sources of empirically-supported practices impacting intergenerational program outcomes. A scoping review is appropriate when an area is complex, like intergenerational programs that incorporate diverse participants, content, and goals. Primarily qualitative studies involved programs equally likely to involve young, school-age, or post-secondary age youth and independent or frail older adults. Half had sample sizes under 50, frequently measuring both age groups. Implementation practices included co-learning and sharing personal stories. Program content (e.g., technology) and greater exposure amplified outcomes. Rigorous implementation research is needed to advance evidence-based intergenerational practice.

2021 ◽  
pp. 146801732110574
Author(s):  
Andrew Steward ◽  
Leslie Hasche ◽  
Jennifer C. Greenfield ◽  
M. Pilar Ingle ◽  
Carson De Fries ◽  
...  

Summary: Social workers are uniquely qualified to administer intergenerational programs, which offer a long-standing and promising way to improve the lives of children, youth, older adults, and communities. Existing reviews of intergenerational programming include a relatively limited time period and do not include agency and community outcomes. This scoping review was conducted with two primary objectives: (1) to synthesize a more comprehensive understanding of intergenerational program outcomes, organized by program type, and (2) to clarify gaps related to agency and community-level outcomes. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines, we searched 18 databases for articles published between 1981 − 2019. Quantitative, qualitative, and gray literature were included that focused on formal, non-familial intergenerational programs and incorporated clear research methods. A two-cycle coding process identified six program types, five participant outcome domains, three agency-level outcomes, and four community-level outcomes. Findings: 217 articles met inclusion criteria after a first (title/abstract) and second (full-text) review. Quality appraisal of the articles found the studies to have “fair” quality overall, with a limited number of randomized controlled trials or sustained outcomes greater than six months. Approximately 12% of studies identified agency or community outcomes. Findings indicate strong psycho-social outcomes for older adults and increased inclusivity, capacity, and engagement at agency and community levels. Applications: Future program development and research efforts should address best practices for the implementation and scalability of intergenerational programs to enhance capacity and age-inclusivity at agency and community levels.


2021 ◽  
pp. 016402752199619
Author(s):  
Shannon E. Jarrott ◽  
Rachel M. Scrivano ◽  
Cherrie Park ◽  
Angela N. Mendoza

Evidence-based intergenerational practices are sought by practitioners interested in the potential value of intergenerational programs. These are often difficult to identify as intergenerational program research frequently consists of small samples and pre-post analyses of attitudinal data with little attention to implementation characteristics. We systematically identified evidence-based intergenerational practices linked to program outcomes from peer-reviewed journal articles ( n = 21) published between 2000 and 2019. Scoping reviews facilitate synthesis of available evidence-based practices and identification of gaps in the literature. Fifteen evidence-based intergenerational practices were identified; each was coded in at least five articles. The practices informed program content (e.g., using technology), program considerations (e.g., environmental modifications), facilitator and participant preparation (e.g., training), and quality interactions among participants (e.g., incorporating mechanisms of friendship). While these identified practices reflect extant theory and research, rigorous implementation research is needed to advance evidence-based intergenerational practice as policymakers and practitioners advocate for intergenerational program growth.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 851-851
Author(s):  
Andrea Gardiola ◽  
Raza Mirza ◽  
Amanda Bull ◽  
Christopher Klinger ◽  
Jessica Hsieh ◽  
...  

Abstract Intergenerational engagement provides a rich environment for people of different ages to come together and exchange life stories, skills, and knowledge. Today, intergenerational interactions are decreasing, however, these exchanges can have positive implications for seniors in residential care homes (RCHs) and younger persons. A scoping review following Arksey and O’Malley’s five-step framework was conducted to investigate the impact of intergenerational engagement and programs (IGPs) on older adults in RCHs. A systematic search of ten electronic databases and hand search of references was carried out; thematic content analysis to established key themes. A total of 1,183 academic and grey literature sources were reviewed, with 66 full-text studies assessed for eligibility. Of these sources, 35 studies met inclusion criteria. Studies highlighted four main themes: 1. Types of IGPs, 2. Psycho-social benefits for older adults and improved status among elders with cognitive impairments, 3. Younger person benefits, suggesting reduced ageism and improved social and communication skills, and 4. Program recommendations, including the need for enthusiastic program facilitators, coordination between facilities, sensitivity training for younger persons, detailed advertisements, and appropriate activities for different age groups. Findings inform future practice and research, highlighting that IGPs are an effective strategy to alleviate negative health outcomes for seniors in RCHs. Future research is needed to evaluate long-term effects and further health outcomes. IGPs provide an opportunity to facilitate purposeful and reciprocal relationships between generations, fostering intergenerational understanding. By studying IGPs and intergenerational interactions, we can better determine practices that meaningfully engage elders in RCHs in Canada.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S626-S626
Author(s):  
Karl Pillemer

Abstract Societal changes are decreasing opportunities for youth to engage with older adults. Geographical mobility, the digital divide, and the growth of age-segregated communities for older people increase age segregation. The lack of interaction can lead to negative attitudes and stereotypes among young and older people. A solution is increasing meaningful contact between youth and older adults. This presentation proposes that higher education can play a unique role in reframing aging through intergenerational programs. Colleges and universities can integrate innovative bodies of research and practice, foster more rigorous research designs to study the effectiveness of intergenerational programs; and discover new ways to provide youth with needed skills and knowledge on how to interact with older adults. The national Cooperative Extension System is presented as a model for how evidence-based practice in intergenerational programs can be translated to communities, with a focus on collaborative program design, evaluation, and broader uptake.


2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 638-646 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shannon Lea Watkins ◽  
Johannes Thrul ◽  
Wendy Max ◽  
Pamela M Ling

Abstract Introduction Young adults have high smoking rates and low utilization of evidence-based smoking cessation strategies. We investigated smoking cessation intentions, strategy use, and socioeconomic predictors of strategy use among young adult smokers (age 18–24) and compared patterns with those of older adults (age 25–64). Methods We used a population-based sample from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study of young adult (n = 1,881) and older adult (n = 6,366) established smokers of conventional cigarettes at Wave 1 (2013–2014), who were surveyed at Wave 2 (2014–2015). Simple regression analysis compared intentions to quit between age groups. Among Wave 1 smokers who reported a Wave 2 quit attempt (young adults [YA] n = 748; older adults [OA] n = 2,068), bivariate and multinomial logistic regression estimated differences in use of behavioral support, pharmacotherapy, product substitution, and unassisted quit attempts. Interaction terms estimated age-group differences in relationships between predictors and cessation strategy use. Results Young adults planned to quit on a longer time frame, expressed lower interest in quitting, and were more confident they would be successful, compared with older adults. Young adults were significantly less likely to use pharmacotherapy (adjusted odds ratio: 0.15; confidence interval: 0.09, 0.24; reference: quitting unassisted). Both groups reported using product substitution (YA: 31.6%; OA: 28.5%), primarily with e-cigarettes, more than any evidence-based cessation strategy. Socioeconomic predictors of cessation strategy use did not differ between age groups. Conclusions More research on why young adult smokers underutilize evidence-based cessation support is needed, as are innovative efforts to increase intentions to quit and utilization of cessation assistance. Implications Young adulthood is a key transition time for tobacco use, and early cessation substantially reduces the risk of morbidity and mortality from smoking. In the context of high e-cigarette and polytobacco use, this study finds young adults have significantly less intention to quit than older adults and are less likely to use evidence-based cessation strategies to help quit. Innovative methods are needed to increase young adult intentions to quit and use of evidence-based cessation assistance.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 402-402
Author(s):  
Shannon Jarrott ◽  
Skye Leedahl ◽  
Donna Butts

Abstract Implementing intergenerational programming amidst the COVID-19 pandemic has required creativity, partnership, and dedication to the work. Most intergenerational programs involving in-person meetings or events are accompanied by guidelines to protect participant health and safety. Programming is routinely cancelled or postponed due to poor weather or contagious illness, particularly when a vulnerable population is involved. The needs for safety precautions and continued intergenerational contact were both amplified during the pandemic, leading many to modify or innovate ways to engage generations rather than eliminate contact for extended periods. Technology has afforded new approaches to engage young people and older people with each other; non-technological ways have also proven effective. This symposium will address strategies used to implement intergenerational programs during the pandemic. Authors will highlight lessons learned and strategies they expect to retain in the future. The first paper describes a pivot in nutrition programming designed for a shared site with preschool children and frail older adults. In paper two, authors discuss their partnership-based approach shifting to remote offerings of Cyber-Seniors programming. Paper three addresses how MentorUp Service-Learning expanded its reach by adaptations to virtual programming for older adults in retirement communities. The final paper presents evaluation data comparing arts programming delivered in-person pre-pandemic and again virtually during the pandemic. In each case, researchers and community partners learned techniques to maintain their programmatic foci. Some projects developed strategies they plan to maintain post-pandemic. Donna Butts, Executive Director of Generations United serves as the symposium discussant.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 49-50
Author(s):  
Shannon Jarrott ◽  
Rachel Scrivano ◽  
Jill Juris Naar ◽  
Alicia Bunger

Abstract Practitioners frequently tailor programming to meet participant characteristics and logistic constraints, or to incorporate diverse participants, such as intergenerational programming. Adapted programming may be responsive but reduce impact on outcomes. With growing interest in and limited availability of intergenerational protocol, implementation science guides program tailoring to ensure that youth and older adults mutually benefit from adapted programming. We integrated guidelines for tailoring interventions (Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Expanded: FRAME) and evidence-based intergenerational practice. We illustrate how program fidelity can be supported in intergenerational settings using examples from an adapted USDA-approved preschool nutrition curriculum delivered intergenerationally. Program acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility were rated favorably by program stakeholders, and observational implementation data suggest fidelity can be maintained using evidence-based intergenerational strategies. Our findings support the potential for protocol developed for one age group to benefit youth and older adults when it is adapted using implementation and intergenerational guidelines.


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