How can equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) principles be incorporated into research excellence with industry and community partners? Lessons learnt from Canada andAustralia

How can equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) principles be incorporated into research excellence with industry and community partners? 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Lessons learnt from Canada andAustralia Lillian Hung, Karen Lok Yi Wong, Tshepo Rasekaba, Haopu Ren, Irene Blackberry This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4151956/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Background The rapid advancement of gerontechnology, technologies for older adults, needs a collaborative approach, integrating the efforts of researchers, industry and community partners. Multisectoral collaboration fosters a holistic view, merging industry expertise, academic rigour, and the lived experiences of older adults and caregivers. This paper explores the role of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) perspectives in such collaboration. Methods We present two case studies from Canada and Australia. Study one involves a Dementia Television project, and study two an innovative rural dementia care project. Data sources included case studies’ focus group transcripts, research meeting notes, or publications between 2021–2023 and 2016–2024, respectively. Utilizing Rofel’s reflective model, we reflected on lessons learned regarding challenges, strategies, and their implications for future research. Our analysis focused on two questions: 1) What were the common challenges we encountered in partnering with industry and community in the research process? And 2) How can EDI be applied to help overcome those challenges? Results Thematic analysis identified five common themes of challenges and ten practical strategies. The challenges are (1) implicit bias, (2) underrepresentation, (3) communication gaps, (4) mistrust and (5) power dynamics. Based on the lessons learned, we identified ten practical strategies through EDI principles: (1) diverse representation, (2) establish transparent agreements, (3) inclusive language and cultural sensitivity, (4) apply flexibility to learn and adapt, (5) embed team reflection (6) take time to build trust and relationships, (7) meaningful engagement, (8) equitable recognition (9) foster a respectful environment for shared learning, and (10) cultivate a long-term sustained relationship. Conclusion The older population is diverse, and their needs are complex. EDI considerations contribute to fostering research excellence and maximizing the potential to develop aging technologies that truly meet the diverse needs of older adults for societal impact. Multisector collaboration requires clear communication and intentional efforts to build trust. EDI considerations should be embedded at every stage of the research process. This paper outlined common challenges, strategies, and implications as practical tips for future research and practice. equity diversity inclusion EDI industry partners community partners Background Creating useful and usable technologies for healthcare requires meaningful partnerships of researchers, industry, and users (community partners) in the co-design process. Funders such as the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) [ 1 ] are committed to supporting inclusive research as they increasingly recognize the need to involve users in gerontechnology research to drive innovation. The collaboration involving diverse perspectives of people from multiple sectors as working together is more likely to result in a more comprehensive understanding of the problem. This approach requires collaboration between industry partners, academic researchers, older adults, and communities. [ 2 ] Academic researchers contribute through rigorous research methodologies, evidence-based findings, and theoretical frameworks that underpin technology design and evaluation. They offer critical insight into multifaceted factors influencing technology adoption among older adults and its sustainability. They provide the resources to transform academic research into tangible benefits of products and services. Industry partners are essential for navigating market dynamics and ensuring that aging technology is innovative, timely, and viable. Crucially, the direct involvement of older adults and caregivers ensures that the developed technologies align with the actual needs and preferences of end-users. Older adults and caregivers must be at the forefront of technology development. They offer lived experience perspectives to inform the practical utility of technologies in their daily lives. Older adults and their caregivers can provide invaluable feedback on usability, design, and functionality in iterative development processes. The collaboration across these sectors facilitates a multidimensional perspective on technology development - a transdisciplinary approach. Transdisciplinary research goes beyond interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging the active involvement of researchers, healthcare professionals, technology experts, and community users to join the research for solutions that enhance the well-being of older individuals. It bridges gaps between academic, clinical, and technological domains, fostering a holistic understanding and application of technology in aging care. It promotes an environment where practical application meets rigorous research and where the real-world experiences of older adults and carers guide the innovation process. There is a body of literature about patient and public involvement in research. For example, The Australian Clinical Trials Alliance’s [ 3 ] Involvement and Engagement Toolkit describes how researchers can involve patients in different phases of clinical research. Greenhalgh et al.[ 4 ] reviewed 65 health research studies and identified five Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) model types: power-focused, study-focused, priority-setting, report-focused, and partnership-focused. Kaisler and Missbach [ 5 ] recently published a ‘How to’ guide on implementing involvement activities with PPI in research projects. However, there is an absence of literature discussing how academic researchers may achieve a fulsome partnership with the technology industry and community partners. The technology industry does not conventionally collaborate with academics, healthcare providers, and older people in product design and deployment. The needs of older adults are heterogeneous and complex. In the past, the industry designed and deployed technology products. Such a silo approach often contributes to non-adoption and waste. As researchers, we can integrate Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) [ 6 ] in technology research to meet the societal needs of aging populations. Addressing systemic barriers in aged technology research is crucial to harnessing the full potential of diverse talents in this field. [ 7 ] These barriers often stem from biases, limited access to resources, and policies that inadvertently exclude certain groups, hindering the advancement and inclusivity of research. Overcoming these challenges is essential to foster a more equitable and innovative environment, ensuring that the insights and contributions from diverse groups of individuals enhance the development and application of technology for older adults. This is particularly important in transdisciplinary research, which comprises researchers from diverse disciplinary backgrounds and a wide range of stakeholders (technology industry companies and older adults) as research partners and collaborators. [ 8 ] An EDI-focused approach to technology innovation for aged care is critical but largely absent in the literature. An inclusive environment in the research partnership is essential. Discrimination, microaggressions, biases, inequitable support, lack of recognition, ableism and racism all can create harm and trauma, negatively affecting a team member’s ability to contribute to the work thoroughly. [ 9 ] Inclusion requires consistent commitment and effort so that all team members feel supported. Lead researchers and primary investigators play an essential role in modelling and setting expectations within the team across sectors. Transdisciplinary research challenges may include increased time to undertake the research and the need for additional financial resources, inadequate transfer of power, tensions between researchers and end-users, and ensuring research rigour while incorporating end-users preferences. [ 10 ] There is a lack of practical guidance on applying EDI in transdisciplinary research involving industry and community partners. The authors are Canadian and Australian researchers and trainees working with industry and community partners in aging technology studies. Drawing from two case studies of our recent research, we reflected upon the challenges we faced in applying EDI in research. The lessons learned in our work can support capacity building among researchers. In response to the pressing need for practical guidance on EDI implementation within the ambit of aging technology research, this paper discusses the nuanced challenges and strategies vital for fostering such multisectoral partnerships. This discourse aims to articulate these complex challenges and propose actionable strategies to build research capacity, encourage industry and community engagement, and amplify the impact of innovations in aging care technology. Case Study 1: The TV study in Canada This project was conducted in the setting of a university-based research lab, Innovation in Dementia and Aging (IDEA) lab. This research highlights the importance of industry partnerships in dementia technology research. From January 2022 to December 2023, our project involved co-creating, implementing, and evaluating dementia-friendly videos (Zinnia TV) in a hospital and a long-term care home. [ 11 – 13 ] Our interdisciplinary team included industry partners, patients, family members, healthcare providers (nurses, care aides, and rehabilitation staff), researchers, and trainees. Zinnia TV is an industry partner offering a series of dementia-friendly TV videos designed for people with moderate to severe dementia. Our patient and family partners actively generated ideas and co-designed culturally diverse videos to meet the needs of persons living with dementia. These dementia-friendly TV videos are shorter (5 to 20 min) in length, presented at a slower pace, and feature health promotion videos, such as encouraging physical activities. One of the objectives of Zinnia TV is to facilitate engagement between people with dementia and their caregivers while stimulating their memories. The topics covered in Zinnia TV videos aim to provide comfort; they include animals, nature, and interactive games. They can be accessed through various mobile applications on devices like tablets and connected to smart TVs. One distinctive feature of Zinnia TV videos is their inclusion of content supporting people with moderate to severe dementia (a marginalized population) in performing activities of daily living (ADLs), such as drinking water, teeth brushing, eating, and face washing. These videos provide visual and audio cues, creating an appealing tone to help people with dementia follow the activities, enabling their independence. When the videos are projected onto large screen TVs or walls, they offer high-quality visuals and audio-immersive experiences for the audience. This study received approval from the University of British Columbia. Case Study 2: Rural Dementia Care in Australia Our journey to foster collaboration between researchers, industry and community partners commenced a decade ago. As a university with multiple regional campuses, it is critical for researchers to engage with local communities. In 2016, the SMART partnership of 10 rural health services and two universities underlined the knowledge exchange, research translation and ensuring wider uptake of research by its end-users in the community. [ 14 ] Its goal is to promote rural health as a space of innovation and quality research. We consulted providers and communities about their dementia service needs. [ 15 ] To meet the needs of rural dementia caregivers, we launched Virtual Dementia-Friendly Rural Communities (Verily Connect) in 2017. [ 16 ] Verily Connect was an innovative project to increase support for rural caregivers of people with dementia and memory problems. The project leveraged online technologies to connect carers, creating virtual dementia-friendly rural communities across 12 rural locations in Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia. The investigator team comprised interdisciplinary researchers and community health services leaders. [ 17 ] They were supported by a project advisory group with representation from dementia care lived experience, health service providers, dementia peak body, multidisciplinary academic and clinician researchers and technology developers. The foundational work of Verily Connect’s technological infrastructure was established through collaborative efforts involving both rural consumers, facilitated by Dementia Australia, and service providers. Complementing these endeavours, inclusive public forums were convened to solicit additional perspectives, needs, and insights from caregivers, service providers, and community stakeholders. A sustained commitment to co-design and co-production methodologies persisted throughout the project lifecycle, enabling iterative refinement of the VERILY model based on accumulated feedback and encountered challenges during implementation. This iterative process was characterized by ongoing engagement with pivotal stakeholders, encompassing rural community members, volunteers, local organizations, Dementia Australia, Carers Australia, and Commonwealth, state, and local government levels, alongside rural service providers. [ 18 ] Upon completing the Verily Connect trial, project investigators disseminated insights gleaned from each community through a series of public forums, fostering knowledge exchange and enhancing transparency in the project's outcomes. The resource is available online and has been adopted for wider dissemination in the Dementia Connect project led by our community partner, Heathcote Dementia Alliance. Methods This paper employed Rolfe’s [ 19 ] reflective model to systematically examine the experiences and insights gained during the Dementia TV and Rural Dementia Care projects. Rofel’s model facilitated a structured reflection on our practices and interactions, allowing us to identify key challenges, opportunities, and implications for future collaborative research. Data Collection The data collection process for both studies was multi-faceted, incorporating various methods to capture a breadth of experiences and insights. We organized focus group sessions, individual semi-structured interviews, and surveys in the Rural Dementia project, each carefully structured to encourage open dialogue among team members. These sessions were designed to gather diverse perspectives from industry partners, healthcare providers, patients, family members and caregivers. We asked members of the research team, including industry partners, older adults in local communities, and trainees, about the challenges and strategies used in the research and what could be implemented to improve the research experience. Weekly and monthly 30-minute to an-hour research meetings serve as a collaborative platform for ongoing reflection and discussion. These meetings were critical in tracking the project's progression, sharing evolving challenges, and celebrating successes. Team members maintained personal research journals and field notes throughout the project. These journals and field notes provided a private space for documenting individual reflections and capturing personal experiences, thoughts, and observations that might not have been shared in group settings. Data Analysis All focus groups, research meetings and semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. We used inductive and deductive approaches. Transcripts were then coded, with codes emerging from the data (inductive) and existing literature (deductive). Categorization: Following initial coding, data were categorized to identify patterns and themes. Patient and family partners were involved in iterative processes of comparing and contrasting different pieces of data to refine categories. Thematic Development: The final step involved developing themes that encapsulated the critical insights from the project. This was achieved through a collaborative process involving all team members, ensuring that the themes represented an agreed understanding of the project’s learnings. Results Here we reported five common challenges: (1) implicit bias, (2) underrepresentation, (3) communication gaps, (4) mistrust and (5) power dynamics. Implicit bias Implicit bias can significantly impact interdisciplinary collaboration. In the context of the TV research, professional assumptions were evident as team members from diverse backgrounds brought their unique perspectives to the table. These varying viewpoints often stemmed from differences in disciplinary training, professional expertise, and roles within the team. For example, our social worker researcher had an assumption that other team members would possess a comprehensive understanding of everyday dementia care, which led to unforeseen challenges. It became evident that both the TV company representatives and academic trainees were unfamiliar with the intricacies and stressors associated with dementia care in a hospital setting. Another issue was the academic supervisor’s presumption that the research methodology was clear to all team members from the outset. However, this assumption proved unfounded, as team members may have heard the explanation but did not fully grasp its intricacies. This situation highlights how familiarity with one’s work and expertise can sometimes lead to blindness regarding the assumptions made about others’ knowledge. Fortunately, through team reflection, questions arose that allowed team members to clarify their assumptions and address one another’s queries. This process allowed for a more robust and collaborative approach, as it encouraged open communication, sharing of perspectives, and a deeper understanding of each team member’s background and expertise. Implicit bias can hinder transdisciplinary collaboration by fostering false assumptions and miscommunications. It underscores the importance of regular check-ins, transparent communication, and a culture of inquiry within the team to ensure that all members can effectively contribute their unique insights and expertise. By addressing implicit biases and embracing open dialogue, collaboration can become more inclusive, productive, and successful in achieving its research goals. Underrepresentation The underrepresentation of older adults in technology research can lead to a lack of diverse perspectives and experiences, potentially resulting in technologies and solutions that do not adequately address the varied needs of older adult populations. In the TV study, our older adults living with dementia voiced their specific needs regarding their cultural preferences. For example, Chinese residents in long-term care homes desired to see actors with the same skin colour. They also wanted to hear and read their language. To address this challenge, our patient and family from various cultural backgrounds ensured their unique insights were integrated into the research process and product development. For example, they were involved in planning video content and film production, letting other team members, including industry partners, academic researchers and trainees, and healthcare providers, learn their voices so that industry partners can produce videos that address cultural needs. For details on how we made cultural adaptations of videos to meet the cultural needs of older adults living with dementia from diverse cultural backgrounds, please see our publication. [ 13 ] In the context of Verily Connect, the significant underrepresentation of male volunteers and caregivers, albeit unintentional, emerged as a notable issue due to self-selection bias. This disparity raised pertinent questions concerning the Verily Connect model's efficacy in catering to this demographic cohort's needs. By actively promoting inclusivity and diversity, we can be better equipped to develop aging technologies that genuinely cater to the community's multifaceted needs of older adults. Communication gaps Divergent expectations can be a common hurdle in interdisciplinary projects. In our study, team members often had different ideas about the project’s outcomes and how involved each party should be in achieving those outcomes. To resolve these differences, continuous and purposeful dialogue was crucial. While Verily Connect did not adopt this approach from the research team's perspective, it nevertheless prioritized community engagement and collaboration with health service partners through regular face-to-face visits or virtual meetings with the project management team. Emphasizing a shared objective, i.e., creating dementia-friendly videos or meetings, helped align everyone’s efforts. It is important to note that this process requires active listening and compromise. By keeping the shared goal in mind and engaging in ongoing discussions, we were able to bridge the gap between varying expectations. For example, industry partners hoped the videos could be tested with a schedule with residents and patients. However, healthcare provider team members who implemented the videos did not think a rigid timetable was practical considering their workflow in the care settings. Eventually, through discussion, the team reached a consensus. Healthcare providers were entrusted to use their professional judgment to determine the optimal times for video presentations and report back with residents' and patients' observations and feedback. This adaptive strategy proved essential in accommodating different care settings' needs and constraints. Mistrust Mistrust posed a significant challenge in our research involving older adults, industry partners, and academic researchers. Older adults in our team were cautious about the intentions and potential commercial interests of industry collaborators, while industry partners wanted research outcomes that benefit product development and their business. Research trainees were uncertain about what to expect. They have expressed concerns about balancing scientific research rigour and the motives of industry partners. Similarly, healthcare service providers voiced apprehensions regarding the long-term sustainability of the Verily Connect model beyond the research project phase, alongside harbouring concerns regarding a general mistrust of academic partners’ intentions. Providers articulated experiences grounded in previous partnerships, where there was a misalignment between the goals of service provision and academic pursuits, expressing valid concerns regarding the integration and normalization of research outputs within service delivery models. Trust and respect formed the bedrock of effective interdisciplinary collaboration. Establishing and nurturing trust-based relationships among team members was paramount. We found that intentional efforts, such as team-building activities and clear communication of expectations, were instrumental in building this trust. Mutual respect was essential in fostering a positive working environment where team members felt valued and heard. When trust and respect were present, it significantly eased the working process, enabling smoother communication and collaboration. Our research revealed that many team members, including industry partners, had limited prior exposure to working in such a collaborative environment. However, as the project unfolded, we observed that ongoing cross-sectoral learning was required. Team members learned from each other, gaining insights into different disciplines and perspectives. For example, one industry partner later expressed he did not realize how busy a care setting would be until he started working on this project with healthcare provider team members. Listening to their sharing helped him to think more about the importance of simplifying the implementation steps of the videos when designing the technology, such as promoting the use of firesticks and developing an app so that the process of selecting videos could be easier for healthcare providers. This enhanced mutual understanding and contributed to the project’s overall success. Flexibility emerged as a critical trait, as everyone had to adapt to new ways of working and thinking. Embracing change and being open to learning were essential components of this theme. Power dynamics Team members highlighted power imbalances between researchers, industry and community older adults as one of the key factors hindering the level and success of engagement. Power dynamics emerge due to differences in expertise, institutional affiliations, and resource allocation. Academic researchers may hold perceived authority, industry partners may bring financial cost, and older adults may have unique experiential knowledge. Addressing power imbalances is crucial to ensure that all stakeholders have an equitable say in research decisions, fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued. In one of the focus group sessions, the members underscore the need to take time, trust, and cultivate strong relationships to address power dynamics. Creating a safe and inclusive environment where all stakeholders feel heard and respected is paramount. Building trust among collaborators through transparent communication and ethical conduct is an ongoing effort. Moreover, it often necessitates strong leadership in facilitation to ensure that power imbalances are recognized and addressed. Leadership can be pivotal in fostering open dialogue, guiding discussions, and promoting a collective decision-making process. For instance, considering that the voices of older adults could easily be missed due to their unfamiliarity with the use of jargon by other team members (industry partners, healthcare providers, and academic researchers and trainees,) meeting facilitators constantly prioritized the voices of older adults and carers by creating time and space for them to speak. It reminded everyone to use accessible language and check in with all members, especially older adults, if clarifications of terms were needed. Over time, as relationships strengthen and trust deepens, power dynamics can be more effectively managed, leading to more equitable and productive transdisciplinary research outcomes. By acknowledging and actively working to mitigate power dynamics, transdisciplinary research can harness the collective wisdom of all participants to develop more inclusive and effective aging technologies. Based on the lessons learned, we identified ten practical strategies: (1) diverse representation, (2) establishing transparent agreements, (3) inclusive language and cultural sensitivity, (4) applying flexibility to learn and adapt, (5) embedding team reflection (6) take time to build trust and relationships, (7) meaningful engagement of older adults, (8) equitable recognition (9) foster a respectful environment for shared learning, and (10) cultivate long-term sustained relationships together. These strategies are interlinked. Please see Table 1 . Table 1 Ten practical strategies based on empirical and literature evidence. Practical strategies Empirical and literature evidence Diverse representation We had strategic recruitment and team composition: Team members, including older adults and family partners from diverse, underrepresented groups in terms of culture, race, age, gender, language, geographical location, (dis)abilities, digital literacy, and ICT accessibility. Diverse team composition helps team members, including industry partners, to learn more about each other’s expertise. Diverse representation in research ensures that the findings apply to all patients; different ethnicities, ages, and genders may respond differently to an intervention. [ 20 ] Establish transparent agreements We regularly provided opportunities for team members, including older adults, family partners, and industry partners, to express their needs and expectations for the project. This included meetings to clarify each other’s assumptions and discuss shared goals and commitments. Clear communication and conflict/tension management are key competencies for researchers in patient-oriented research. [ 21 ] Inclusive language and cultural sensitivity We used accessible language and avoided jargon. We also integrated the expressed cultural and language needs of older adults from diverse cultural backgrounds into developing videos. Even when time and resources are scarce, it is possible and necessary to adapt psychological interventions culturally. [ 22 ] Apply flexibility to learn and adapt We applied flexibility by listening and adapting to the local needs of the actual care settings, e.g., the use of mobile applications and Firestick. Health researchers who want to incorporate pragmatism into patient-oriented research should adopt a flexible approach while honouring the participants’ voices and advocating for change. [ 23 ] Embed team reflection with industry and community partners (staff, patient and family partners) Open and transparent communication played a pivotal role in our studies. Voicing our views and concerns helped create an atmosphere of trust and openness. In-person meetings were particularly effective in facilitating these discussions as they allowed for face-to-face interactions that humanized the team members and fostered a deeper understanding. The key takeaway is that acknowledging and addressing assumptions through open dialogue can lead to more effective collaboration. Team reflection and taking actions for adjustment help overcome challenges and meet the needs of local settings. [ 24 ] Take time to build trust and relationships Building trust through transparent communication and having shared goals and commitment to the well-being of older adults and carers is essential. Establishing trust is foundational to fostering productive collaborations that can yield meaningful advancements in aging technology research. [ 25 ] One thing to note is that building trust takes time. For example, industry partners expected fast outcomes, while older adults and family members needed time to learn how to engage in the study. Paces need to be adjusted according to the conditions of team members. Meaningful engagement We listened to the expectations of team members and supported them to do what they thought was meaningful. For instance, older adults and family members expressed that they wanted to work more with young research trainees as they found it fun and rewarding to interact with the younger generation. They also hoped to contribute to the growth of young research trainees. Research trainees would like to present at conferences to disseminate the findings of our study. We invited older adults and family members to co-develop and co-present, making decisions together on how the presentations could be presented in a way that could better reach the audience, especially those who were older adults and living with dementia. We also evaluated the experiences of older adults participating in the research using PEIRS (Patient Engagement in Research Scale) to see what they found meaningful and how we could improve their experiences. Equitable recognition We prioritized the voices of older adults and family members, valuing their lived experiences as valid and important knowledge. Based on their opinion, we acted with them, addressing their suggestions on the cultural needs of older adults with dementia by doing a cultural adaptation of videos. Foster a respectful environment for shared learning We paid ongoing attention to everyday ethics by seeking the consent of participants to participate in this study, especially older adults with dementia, as they may forget the details of what they consented to. Mutual respect is accepted, "internalized," and practiced by all team members. For example, we encouraged using accessible language and avoided jargon to respect that we all came from different backgrounds and training and not everybody understood technical language. Cultivate long-term sustained relationships together About six months before the end of the funding of the TV project and following the delivery of the Verily Connect final project findings report, we started discussions with all team members, including industry partners, older adults and family members, about the continuation of collaboration for future projects. For example, our next project after the TV project is about using virtual reality in a dementia care unit. We plan to use the TV project videos for this upcoming project. We will also incorporate what we learned from the TV project into the planning of future projects. The Verily Connect team actively engaged prospective service provision partners to facilitate the translation and broader dissemination of the Verily Connect model within the Australian community. This resulted in an entity in one of the original 12 trial communities taking over Verily Connect as a service. Concurrently, academic partners remain committed to exploring additional research opportunities founded on the Verily Connect trial. Discussion and Implications The demographic shift of growth in the aging population underscores the escalating need for research and development in technology to cater to the aging population, particularly in healthcare and support services​. [ 26 ] Collaboration between academics, industry, and community-dwelling older adults is paramount to developing aging technology, leveraging the strengths of each sector to address complex challenges associated with aging and technology use. It ensures the development of aging technologies that are not only grounded in scientific research and commercially viable but also profoundly resonant with the needs and desires of the aging population. In this paper, in our Canadian and Australian studies, we have reflected upon the collaboration between academics, industry, and community-dwelling older adults regarding aging research and technology development. In our studies, we worked with diverse groups of older adults. Recognizing the heterogeneity of older adults who experience diverse and evolving needs is important. Involving older adults and relevant partners ensures that the technologies developed are aligned with their actual needs and preferences, which can significantly improve the relevance and usability of the products. [ 27 ] The blending of academic research with industry pragmatism, combined with the lived experiences of older adults, creates opportunities for innovative solutions that may not emerge within a single sector. [ 28 ] Our results indicated invaluable knowledge exchanges and lessons we learned from each other in our multi-sectoral collaborations. Engaging a diverse group of stakeholders in the development process encourages the consideration of ethical issues, such as cultural sensitivity and the needs of older adults with dementia and disabilities. The results of our work promoted the design of inclusive technologies that cater to a broader range of abilities and racial backgrounds. Participation in the development process empowers older adults, giving them a voice in creating technologies that affect their lives, which can lead to greater community engagement. Engaging these industries, patient and family partners ensured that our research addressed real-world challenges and needs. This approach enhanced our findings' credibility and underscored the importance of patient and family-centred care in dementia settings. It reinforced the idea that technology solutions should be designed with the end-users in mind, considering their unique experiences, preferences, and challenges. Furthermore, involving patient and family partners fostered a sense of empowerment and ownership among them. They actively shaped the research, contributing to developing more patient-centred and holistic approaches to dementia care. This collaborative relationship also strengthened the bonds between healthcare professionals and those they serve, promoting a sense of shared responsibility in improving practice. It is important to note that Canadian and Australian case studies demonstrated opportunities for educating and training students and professionals across disciplines, fostering a workforce skilled in creating and implementing aging technologies. Such collaborations can spur the growth of interdisciplinary research fields, blending areas such as gerontology, computer science, engineering, and health sciences, which are essential for advancing aging technology. Collaborating with industry partners brought a practical dimension to our research. These partners often possess the technical expertise and resources to develop and implement technology solutions. By involving them, we ensured that our research was not confined to theoretical concepts but had a tangible path towards implementation. Industry partners could provide insights into the feasibility, scalability, and market readiness of technology solutions emerging from our research. Our lessons highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between academia and industry in healthcare innovation. It emphasized that research should not exist in isolation but should be directly connected to the industry's capacity to translate findings into practical solutions. This alignment is essential for ensuring cutting-edge technologies find their way into healthcare settings to benefit patients and healthcare providers. Finally, collaboration with patient and family partners and industry partners enriched our research and highlighted the imperative for healthcare providers to actively engage with technology in their practice. We believe this inclusive and collaborative approach helps to co-create more effective and patient-centred solutions for senior care, promoting the accessibility of technology to benefit all for equity. Conclusion In conclusion, applying Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) approaches in collaborative endeavours on aging technology research is paramount for fostering meaningful and impactful partnerships. The ten practical tips outlined in this paper serve as actionable strategies to ensure that collaborative teams are diverse, culturally competent, and accessible. While these tips offer useful insights into collaboration, challenges such as underrepresentation, implicit biases, and power dynamics must be acknowledged and actively addressed. Overcoming these challenges requires a commitment to continuous learning and a dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable research environment. EDI efforts contribute to fostering research excellence and maximizing the potential to develop aging technologies that truly meet the diverse needs of older adults for societal impact. Declarations Ethics approval and consent to participate This study has been approved by the University of British Columbia Ethics Board (committee reference number: H22-02089.) Consent for publication Not applicable Availability of data and materials The datasets used and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. Competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests. Funding This work was supported by the Accelerate Fund under Mitacs [number IT27862]. Authors' contributions LH, KLYW, and IB developed the structure of the manuscript. 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Cultural adaptation in television technology for older adults with dementia in care settings. Front Dement. 2023;1:1098446. Smart Rural Health Research Team. Smart Rural Health Research Team – A research partnership to trial innovations in service delivery and build a community of leading practice for rural health services and their communities. 2023. https://smartruralhealth.wordpress.com/ . Accessed 21 Mar 2024. Bauer M, Fetherstonhaugh D, Blackberry I, Farmer J, Wilding C. Identifying support needs to improve rural dementia services for people with dementia and their carers: A consultation study in Victoria, Australia. Aust J Rural Health. 2019;27:22–7. Wilding C, Morgan D, Greenhill J, Perkins D, O’Connell ME, Bauer M, et al. Web-Based Technologies to Support Carers of People Living With Dementia: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Stepped-Wedge Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc. 2022;11:e33023. Blackberry I, Wilding C, Morgan D, Winbolt M, Greenhill J, Perkins D, et al. Virtual Dementia Friendly Rural Communities (Verily) Project Final Report. Wodonga: John Richards Centre for Rural Ageing Research, La Trobe University; 2020. Wilding C, Davis H, Rasekaba T, Hamiduzzaman M, Royals K, Greenhill J, et al. Volunteers’ Support of Carers of Rural People Living with Dementia to Use a Custom-Built Application. IJERPH. 2021;18:9909. Rolfe G, Jasper M, Freshwater D. Critical reflection in practice: Generating knowledge for care. 2nd edition. Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire;New York, NY; Palgrave Macmillan; 2011. Deutsch AR, Lustfield R, Jalali MS. Community-based system dynamics modelling of stigmatized public health issues: Increasing diverse representation of individuals with personal experiences. Syst Res Behav Sci. 2022;39:734–49. Frisch N, Atherton P, Doyle-Waters MM, MacLeod MLP, Mallidou A, Sheane V, et al. Patient-oriented research competencies in health (PORCH) for researchers, patients, healthcare providers, and decision-makers: results of a scoping review. Res Involv Engagem. 2020;6:4. Lepore M, Shuman S, Wiener J, Gould E. Challenges in Involving People with Dementia as Study Participants in Research on Care and Services. ASPE. 2017. https://aspe.hhs.gov/reports/challenges-involving-people-dementia-study-participants-research-care-services-0 . Accessed 21 Mar 2024. Allemang B, Sitter K, Dimitropoulos G. Pragmatism as a paradigm for patient-oriented research. Health Expect. 2022;25:38–47. Hung L, Mann J, Upreti M. Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to foster the adoption of a new dementia education game during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gerontologist. 2022;:gnac138. Zibrowski E, Carr T, McDonald S, Thiessen H, van Dusen R, Goodridge D, et al. A rapid realist review of patient engagement in patient-oriented research and health care system impacts: part one. Res Involv Engagem. 2021;7:72. Australian Government. Intergenerational Report 2023 at a glance. 2023. Inclusive Design Research Centre, OCAD University. What is Inclusive Design. 2023. https://legacy.idrc.ocadu.ca/about-the-idrc/49-resources/online-resources/articles-and-papers/443-whatisinclusivedesign . Accessed 21 Mar 2024. Genge C, McNeil H, Debergue P, Freeman S. Technology to support aging in place: key messages for policymakers and funders. Front Psychol. 2023;14:1287486. Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Supplementary Files PlainEnglishSummary.docx Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-4151956","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":284087917,"identity":"8ede0c6b-7f58-4bdf-9f73-351f44a93932","order_by":0,"name":"Lillian Hung","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"University of British Columbia","correspondingAuthor":false,"submittingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Lillian","middleName":"","lastName":"Hung","suffix":""},{"id":284087921,"identity":"3b018354-8959-4f02-a02e-c40e7167483b","order_by":1,"name":"Karen Lok Yi Wong","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA4ElEQVRIiWNgGAWjYBACCXYIzcMPJA48YGBIIKyFGULLSDYAtSSQosXG4AADWD1hLZLNPGYSH3fU8hhfO/wQaMvhPP4G5ocf8GmRZuYxk5x55jiP2e00A5CWYokDbMYS+LTIAbXc5m07BiQTwFoSNzDwMBCnxXh2+geYFuYfhBwG1FLDYyCdA7eFDa8tks1s5T9nth3gkbidU3AgwSC9WOIwm5kFPi0Sx5s3G3xsq7Pnn52++cOHCus8/vbmxzfwaWFg4DAAEoehHBCbGb96IGB/ACTqCCobBaNgFIyCEQwA8ptHVnqJC64AAAAASUVORK5CYII=","orcid":"","institution":"University of British Columbia","correspondingAuthor":true,"submittingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Karen","middleName":"Lok Yi","lastName":"Wong","suffix":""},{"id":284087922,"identity":"f847618e-09bd-4f47-b25b-575b5086c06b","order_by":2,"name":"Tshepo Rasekaba","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Care Economy Research Institute, La Trobe University","correspondingAuthor":false,"submittingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Tshepo","middleName":"","lastName":"Rasekaba","suffix":""},{"id":284087924,"identity":"f96dbeed-66ff-4887-8b7e-0755760bc978","order_by":3,"name":"Haopu Ren","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"University of British Columbia","correspondingAuthor":false,"submittingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Haopu","middleName":"","lastName":"Ren","suffix":""},{"id":284087927,"identity":"46ec9b5d-fc3d-4342-902a-74fcdd835083","order_by":4,"name":"Irene Blackberry","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Care Economy Research Institute, La Trobe University","correspondingAuthor":false,"submittingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Irene","middleName":"","lastName":"Blackberry","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2024-03-22 21:29:14","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4151956/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4151956/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":55713942,"identity":"01c57efc-9234-44bc-917b-222b1aad2ffb","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-05-02 07:09:06","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":444346,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4151956/v1/fc710f5e-46e6-4fda-89c5-2c5ebb45caa7.pdf"},{"id":53610496,"identity":"9a91ebe2-2907-4d75-b8c5-00473c17ed40","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-03-28 05:10:00","extension":"docx","order_by":1,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"supplement","size":15336,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"PlainEnglishSummary.docx","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4151956/v1/e3f78f0a51e8c75d99c9f2aa.docx"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"How can equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) principles be incorporated into research excellence with industry and community partners? Lessons learnt from Canada andAustralia","fulltext":[{"header":"Background","content":"\u003cp\u003eCreating useful and usable technologies for healthcare requires meaningful partnerships of researchers, industry, and users (community partners) in the co-design process. Funders such as the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e] are committed to supporting inclusive research as they increasingly recognize the need to involve users in gerontechnology research to drive innovation. The collaboration involving diverse perspectives of people from multiple sectors as working together is more likely to result in a more comprehensive understanding of the problem. This approach requires collaboration between industry partners, academic researchers, older adults, and communities. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e] Academic researchers contribute through rigorous research methodologies, evidence-based findings, and theoretical frameworks that underpin technology design and evaluation. They offer critical insight into multifaceted factors influencing technology adoption among older adults and its sustainability. They provide the resources to transform academic research into tangible benefits of products and services. Industry partners are essential for navigating market dynamics and ensuring that aging technology is innovative, timely, and viable. Crucially, the direct involvement of older adults and caregivers ensures that the developed technologies align with the actual needs and preferences of end-users. Older adults and caregivers must be at the forefront of technology development. They offer lived experience perspectives to inform the practical utility of technologies in their daily lives. Older adults and their caregivers can provide invaluable feedback on usability, design, and functionality in iterative development processes. The collaboration across these sectors facilitates a multidimensional perspective on technology development - a transdisciplinary approach. Transdisciplinary research goes beyond interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging the active involvement of researchers, healthcare professionals, technology experts, and community users to join the research for solutions that enhance the well-being of older individuals. It bridges gaps between academic, clinical, and technological domains, fostering a holistic understanding and application of technology in aging care. It promotes an environment where practical application meets rigorous research and where the real-world experiences of older adults and carers guide the innovation process.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThere is a body of literature about patient and public involvement in research. For example, The Australian Clinical Trials Alliance\u0026rsquo;s [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e] Involvement and Engagement Toolkit describes how researchers can involve patients in different phases of clinical research. Greenhalgh et al.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e] reviewed 65 health research studies and identified five Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) model types: power-focused, study-focused, priority-setting, report-focused, and partnership-focused. Kaisler and Missbach [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e] recently published a \u0026lsquo;How to\u0026rsquo; guide on implementing involvement activities with PPI in research projects. However, there is an absence of literature discussing how academic researchers may achieve a fulsome partnership with the technology industry and community partners. The technology industry does not conventionally collaborate with academics, healthcare providers, and older people in product design and deployment. The needs of older adults are heterogeneous and complex. In the past, the industry designed and deployed technology products. Such a silo approach often contributes to non-adoption and waste.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAs researchers, we can integrate Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e] in technology research to meet the societal needs of aging populations. Addressing systemic barriers in aged technology research is crucial to harnessing the full potential of diverse talents in this field. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e] These barriers often stem from biases, limited access to resources, and policies that inadvertently exclude certain groups, hindering the advancement and inclusivity of research. Overcoming these challenges is essential to foster a more equitable and innovative environment, ensuring that the insights and contributions from diverse groups of individuals enhance the development and application of technology for older adults. This is particularly important in transdisciplinary research, which comprises researchers from diverse disciplinary backgrounds and a wide range of stakeholders (technology industry companies and older adults) as research partners and collaborators. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e] An EDI-focused approach to technology innovation for aged care is critical but largely absent in the literature. An inclusive environment in the research partnership is essential. Discrimination, microaggressions, biases, inequitable support, lack of recognition, ableism and racism all can create harm and trauma, negatively affecting a team member\u0026rsquo;s ability to contribute to the work thoroughly. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e] Inclusion requires consistent commitment and effort so that all team members feel supported. Lead researchers and primary investigators play an essential role in modelling and setting expectations within the team across sectors.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTransdisciplinary research challenges may include increased time to undertake the research and the need for additional financial resources, inadequate transfer of power, tensions between researchers and end-users, and ensuring research rigour while incorporating end-users preferences. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e] There is a lack of practical guidance on applying EDI in transdisciplinary research involving industry and community partners. The authors are Canadian and Australian researchers and trainees working with industry and community partners in aging technology studies. Drawing from two case studies of our recent research, we reflected upon the challenges we faced in applying EDI in research. The lessons learned in our work can support capacity building among researchers. In response to the pressing need for practical guidance on EDI implementation within the ambit of aging technology research, this paper discusses the nuanced challenges and strategies vital for fostering such multisectoral partnerships. This discourse aims to articulate these complex challenges and propose actionable strategies to build research capacity, encourage industry and community engagement, and amplify the impact of innovations in aging care technology.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec2\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eCase Study 1: The TV study in Canada\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis project was conducted in the setting of a university-based research lab, Innovation in Dementia and Aging (IDEA) lab. This research highlights the importance of industry partnerships in dementia technology research. From January 2022 to December 2023, our project involved co-creating, implementing, and evaluating dementia-friendly videos (Zinnia TV) in a hospital and a long-term care home. [\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR12\" citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e] Our interdisciplinary team included industry partners, patients, family members, healthcare providers (nurses, care aides, and rehabilitation staff), researchers, and trainees. Zinnia TV is an industry partner offering a series of dementia-friendly TV videos designed for people with moderate to severe dementia. Our patient and family partners actively generated ideas and co-designed culturally diverse videos to meet the needs of persons living with dementia. These dementia-friendly TV videos are shorter (5 to 20 min) in length, presented at a slower pace, and feature health promotion videos, such as encouraging physical activities. One of the objectives of Zinnia TV is to facilitate engagement between people with dementia and their caregivers while stimulating their memories. The topics covered in Zinnia TV videos aim to provide comfort; they include animals, nature, and interactive games. They can be accessed through various mobile applications on devices like tablets and connected to smart TVs. One distinctive feature of Zinnia TV videos is their inclusion of content supporting people with moderate to severe dementia (a marginalized population) in performing activities of daily living (ADLs), such as drinking water, teeth brushing, eating, and face washing. These videos provide visual and audio cues, creating an appealing tone to help people with dementia follow the activities, enabling their independence. When the videos are projected onto large screen TVs or walls, they offer high-quality visuals and audio-immersive experiences for the audience. This study received approval from the University of British Columbia.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCase Study 2: Rural Dementia Care in Australia\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur journey to foster collaboration between researchers, industry and community partners commenced a decade ago. As a university with multiple regional campuses, it is critical for researchers to engage with local communities. In 2016, the SMART partnership of 10 rural health services and two universities underlined the knowledge exchange, research translation and ensuring wider uptake of research by its end-users in the community. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e] Its goal is to promote rural health as a space of innovation and quality research. We consulted providers and communities about their dementia service needs. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e] To meet the needs of rural dementia caregivers, we launched Virtual Dementia-Friendly Rural Communities (Verily Connect) in 2017. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e] Verily Connect was an innovative project to increase support for rural caregivers of people with dementia and memory problems. The project leveraged online technologies to connect carers, creating virtual dementia-friendly rural communities across 12 rural locations in Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia. The investigator team comprised interdisciplinary researchers and community health services leaders. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e] They were supported by a project advisory group with representation from dementia care lived experience, health service providers, dementia peak body, multidisciplinary academic and clinician researchers and technology developers.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe foundational work of Verily Connect\u0026rsquo;s technological infrastructure was established through collaborative efforts involving both rural consumers, facilitated by Dementia Australia, and service providers. Complementing these endeavours, inclusive public forums were convened to solicit additional perspectives, needs, and insights from caregivers, service providers, and community stakeholders. A sustained commitment to co-design and co-production methodologies persisted throughout the project lifecycle, enabling iterative refinement of the VERILY model based on accumulated feedback and encountered challenges during implementation. This iterative process was characterized by ongoing engagement with pivotal stakeholders, encompassing rural community members, volunteers, local organizations, Dementia Australia, Carers Australia, and Commonwealth, state, and local government levels, alongside rural service providers. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUpon completing the Verily Connect trial, project investigators disseminated insights gleaned from each community through a series of public forums, fostering knowledge exchange and enhancing transparency in the project's outcomes. The resource is available online and has been adopted for wider dissemination in the Dementia Connect project led by our community partner, Heathcote Dementia Alliance.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Methods","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis paper employed Rolfe\u0026rsquo;s [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e] reflective model to systematically examine the experiences and insights gained during the Dementia TV and Rural Dementia Care projects. Rofel\u0026rsquo;s model facilitated a structured reflection on our practices and interactions, allowing us to identify key challenges, opportunities, and implications for future collaborative research.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eData Collection\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe data collection process for both studies was multi-faceted, incorporating various methods to capture a breadth of experiences and insights. We organized focus group sessions, individual semi-structured interviews, and surveys in the Rural Dementia project, each carefully structured to encourage open dialogue among team members. These sessions were designed to gather diverse perspectives from industry partners, healthcare providers, patients, family members and caregivers. We asked members of the research team, including industry partners, older adults in local communities, and trainees, about the challenges and strategies used in the research and what could be implemented to improve the research experience. Weekly and monthly 30-minute to an-hour research meetings serve as a collaborative platform for ongoing reflection and discussion. These meetings were critical in tracking the project's progression, sharing evolving challenges, and celebrating successes. Team members maintained personal research journals and field notes throughout the project. These journals and field notes provided a private space for documenting individual reflections and capturing personal experiences, thoughts, and observations that might not have been shared in group settings.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eData Analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAll focus groups, research meetings and semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. We used inductive and deductive approaches. Transcripts were then coded, with codes emerging from the data (inductive) and existing literature (deductive). Categorization: Following initial coding, data were categorized to identify patterns and themes. Patient and family partners were involved in iterative processes of comparing and contrasting different pieces of data to refine categories. Thematic Development: The final step involved developing themes that encapsulated the critical insights from the project. This was achieved through a collaborative process involving all team members, ensuring that the themes represented an agreed understanding of the project\u0026rsquo;s learnings.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cp\u003eHere we reported five common challenges: (1) implicit bias, (2) underrepresentation, (3) communication gaps, (4) mistrust and (5) power dynamics.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eImplicit bias\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eImplicit bias can significantly impact interdisciplinary collaboration. In the context of the TV research, professional assumptions were evident as team members from diverse backgrounds brought their unique perspectives to the table. These varying viewpoints often stemmed from differences in disciplinary training, professional expertise, and roles within the team. For example, our social worker researcher had an assumption that other team members would possess a comprehensive understanding of everyday dementia care, which led to unforeseen challenges. It became evident that both the TV company representatives and academic trainees were unfamiliar with the intricacies and stressors associated with dementia care in a hospital setting.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnother issue was the academic supervisor’s presumption that the research methodology was clear to all team members from the outset. However, this assumption proved unfounded, as team members may have heard the explanation but did not fully grasp its intricacies. This situation highlights how familiarity with one’s work and expertise can sometimes lead to blindness regarding the assumptions made about others’ knowledge.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFortunately, through team reflection, questions arose that allowed team members to clarify their assumptions and address one another’s queries. This process allowed for a more robust and collaborative approach, as it encouraged open communication, sharing of perspectives, and a deeper understanding of each team member’s background and expertise.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eImplicit bias can hinder transdisciplinary collaboration by fostering false assumptions and miscommunications. It underscores the importance of regular check-ins, transparent communication, and a culture of inquiry within the team to ensure that all members can effectively contribute their unique insights and expertise. By addressing implicit biases and embracing open dialogue, collaboration can become more inclusive, productive, and successful in achieving its research goals.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eUnderrepresentation\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe underrepresentation of older adults in technology research can lead to a lack of diverse perspectives and experiences, potentially resulting in technologies and solutions that do not adequately address the varied needs of older adult populations. In the TV study, our older adults living with dementia voiced their specific needs regarding their cultural preferences. For example, Chinese residents in long-term care homes desired to see actors with the same skin colour. They also wanted to hear and read their language. To address this challenge, our patient and family from various cultural backgrounds ensured their unique insights were integrated into the research process and product development. For example, they were involved in planning video content and film production, letting other team members, including industry partners, academic researchers and trainees, and healthcare providers, learn their voices so that industry partners can produce videos that address cultural needs. For details on how we made cultural adaptations of videos to meet the cultural needs of older adults living with dementia from diverse cultural backgrounds, please see our publication. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e] In the context of Verily Connect, the significant underrepresentation of male volunteers and caregivers, albeit unintentional, emerged as a notable issue due to self-selection bias. This disparity raised pertinent questions concerning the Verily Connect model's efficacy in catering to this demographic cohort's needs. By actively promoting inclusivity and diversity, we can be better equipped to develop aging technologies that genuinely cater to the community's multifaceted needs of older adults.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eCommunication gaps\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eDivergent expectations can be a common hurdle in interdisciplinary projects. In our study, team members often had different ideas about the project’s outcomes and how involved each party should be in achieving those outcomes. To resolve these differences, continuous and purposeful dialogue was crucial. While Verily Connect did not adopt this approach from the research team's perspective, it nevertheless prioritized community engagement and collaboration with health service partners through regular face-to-face visits or virtual meetings with the project management team. Emphasizing a shared objective, i.e., creating dementia-friendly videos or meetings, helped align everyone’s efforts. It is important to note that this process requires active listening and compromise. By keeping the shared goal in mind and engaging in ongoing discussions, we were able to bridge the gap between varying expectations. For example, industry partners hoped the videos could be tested with a schedule with residents and patients. However, healthcare provider team members who implemented the videos did not think a rigid timetable was practical considering their workflow in the care settings. Eventually, through discussion, the team reached a consensus. Healthcare providers were entrusted to use their professional judgment to determine the optimal times for video presentations and report back with residents' and patients' observations and feedback. This adaptive strategy proved essential in accommodating different care settings' needs and constraints.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eMistrust\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eMistrust posed a significant challenge in our research involving older adults, industry partners, and academic researchers. Older adults in our team were cautious about the intentions and potential commercial interests of industry collaborators, while industry partners wanted research outcomes that benefit product development and their business. Research trainees were uncertain about what to expect. They have expressed concerns about balancing scientific research rigour and the motives of industry partners. Similarly, healthcare service providers voiced apprehensions regarding the long-term sustainability of the Verily Connect model beyond the research project phase, alongside harbouring concerns regarding a general mistrust of academic partners’ intentions. Providers articulated experiences grounded in previous partnerships, where there was a misalignment between the goals of service provision and academic pursuits, expressing valid concerns regarding the integration and normalization of research outputs within service delivery models. Trust and respect formed the bedrock of effective interdisciplinary collaboration. Establishing and nurturing trust-based relationships among team members was paramount. We found that intentional efforts, such as team-building activities and clear communication of expectations, were instrumental in building this trust. Mutual respect was essential in fostering a positive working environment where team members felt valued and heard. When trust and respect were present, it significantly eased the working process, enabling smoother communication and collaboration. Our research revealed that many team members, including industry partners, had limited prior exposure to working in such a collaborative environment. However, as the project unfolded, we observed that ongoing cross-sectoral learning was required. Team members learned from each other, gaining insights into different disciplines and perspectives. For example, one industry partner later expressed he did not realize how busy a care setting would be until he started working on this project with healthcare provider team members. Listening to their sharing helped him to think more about the importance of simplifying the implementation steps of the videos when designing the technology, such as promoting the use of firesticks and developing an app so that the process of selecting videos could be easier for healthcare providers. This enhanced mutual understanding and contributed to the project’s overall success. Flexibility emerged as a critical trait, as everyone had to adapt to new ways of working and thinking. Embracing change and being open to learning were essential components of this theme.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003ePower dynamics\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eTeam members highlighted power imbalances between researchers, industry and community older adults as one of the key factors hindering the level and success of engagement. Power dynamics emerge due to differences in expertise, institutional affiliations, and resource allocation. Academic researchers may hold perceived authority, industry partners may bring financial cost, and older adults may have unique experiential knowledge. Addressing power imbalances is crucial to ensure that all stakeholders have an equitable say in research decisions, fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued. In one of the focus group sessions, the members underscore the need to take time, trust, and cultivate strong relationships to address power dynamics. Creating a safe and inclusive environment where all stakeholders feel heard and respected is paramount. Building trust among collaborators through transparent communication and ethical conduct is an ongoing effort.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMoreover, it often necessitates strong leadership in facilitation to ensure that power imbalances are recognized and addressed. Leadership can be pivotal in fostering open dialogue, guiding discussions, and promoting a collective decision-making process. For instance, considering that the voices of older adults could easily be missed due to their unfamiliarity with the use of jargon by other team members (industry partners, healthcare providers, and academic researchers and trainees,) meeting facilitators constantly prioritized the voices of older adults and carers by creating time and space for them to speak. It reminded everyone to use accessible language and check in with all members, especially older adults, if clarifications of terms were needed. Over time, as relationships strengthen and trust deepens, power dynamics can be more effectively managed, leading to more equitable and productive transdisciplinary research outcomes. By acknowledging and actively working to mitigate power dynamics, transdisciplinary research can harness the collective wisdom of all participants to develop more inclusive and effective aging technologies.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBased on the lessons learned, we identified ten practical strategies: (1) diverse representation, (2) establishing transparent agreements, (3) inclusive language and cultural sensitivity, (4) applying flexibility to learn and adapt, (5) embedding team reflection (6) take time to build trust and relationships, (7) meaningful engagement of older adults, (8) equitable recognition (9) foster a respectful environment for shared learning, and (10) cultivate long-term sustained relationships together. These strategies are interlinked. Please see Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTen practical strategies based on empirical and literature evidence.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePractical strategies\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEmpirical and literature evidence\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDiverse representation\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWe had strategic recruitment and team composition: Team members, including older adults and family partners from diverse, underrepresented groups in terms of culture, race, age, gender, language, geographical location, (dis)abilities, digital literacy, and ICT accessibility. Diverse team composition helps team members, including industry partners, to learn more about each other’s expertise.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDiverse representation in research ensures that the findings apply to all patients; different ethnicities, ages, and genders may respond differently to an intervention. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEstablish transparent agreements\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWe regularly provided opportunities for team members, including older adults, family partners, and industry partners, to express their needs and expectations for the project. This included meetings to clarify each other’s assumptions and discuss shared goals and commitments.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eClear communication and conflict/tension management are key competencies for researchers in patient-oriented research. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eInclusive language and cultural sensitivity\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWe used accessible language and avoided jargon. We also integrated the expressed cultural and language needs of older adults from diverse cultural backgrounds into developing videos.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEven when time and resources are scarce, it is possible and necessary to adapt psychological interventions culturally. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eApply flexibility to learn and adapt\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWe applied flexibility by listening and adapting to the local needs of the actual care settings, e.g., the use of mobile applications and Firestick.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHealth researchers who want to incorporate pragmatism into patient-oriented research should adopt a flexible approach while honouring the participants’ voices and advocating for change. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEmbed team reflection with industry and community partners (staff, patient and family partners)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOpen and transparent communication played a pivotal role in our studies. Voicing our views and concerns helped create an atmosphere of trust and openness. In-person meetings were particularly effective in facilitating these discussions as they allowed for face-to-face interactions that humanized the team members and fostered a deeper understanding. The key takeaway is that acknowledging and addressing assumptions through open dialogue can lead to more effective collaboration.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTeam reflection and taking actions for adjustment help overcome challenges and meet the needs of local settings. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTake time to build trust and relationships\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBuilding trust through transparent communication and having shared goals and commitment to the well-being of older adults and carers is essential. Establishing trust is foundational to fostering productive collaborations that can yield meaningful advancements in aging technology research. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOne thing to note is that building trust takes time. For example, industry partners expected fast outcomes, while older adults and family members needed time to learn how to engage in the study. Paces need to be adjusted according to the conditions of team members.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMeaningful engagement\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWe listened to the expectations of team members and supported them to do what they thought was meaningful. For instance, older adults and family members expressed that they wanted to work more with young research trainees as they found it fun and rewarding to interact with the younger generation. They also hoped to contribute to the growth of young research trainees. Research trainees would like to present at conferences to disseminate the findings of our study. We invited older adults and family members to co-develop and co-present, making decisions together on how the presentations could be presented in a way that could better reach the audience, especially those who were older adults and living with dementia.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWe also evaluated the experiences of older adults participating in the research using PEIRS (Patient Engagement in Research Scale) to see what they found meaningful and how we could improve their experiences.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEquitable recognition\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWe prioritized the voices of older adults and family members, valuing their lived experiences as valid and important knowledge. Based on their opinion, we acted with them, addressing their suggestions on the cultural needs of older adults with dementia by doing a cultural adaptation of videos.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFoster a respectful environment for shared learning\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWe paid ongoing attention to everyday ethics by seeking the consent of participants to participate in this study, especially older adults with dementia, as they may forget the details of what they consented to.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMutual respect is accepted, \"internalized,\" and practiced by all team members. For example, we encouraged using accessible language and avoided jargon to respect that we all came from different backgrounds and training and not everybody understood technical language.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCultivate long-term sustained relationships together\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAbout six months before the end of the funding of the TV project and following the delivery of the Verily Connect final project findings report, we started discussions with all team members, including industry partners, older adults and family members, about the continuation of collaboration for future projects. For example, our next project after the TV project is about using virtual reality in a dementia care unit. We plan to use the TV project videos for this upcoming project. We will also incorporate what we learned from the TV project into the planning of future projects. The Verily Connect team actively engaged prospective service provision partners to facilitate the translation and broader dissemination of the Verily Connect model within the Australian community. This resulted in an entity in one of the original 12 trial communities taking over Verily Connect as a service. Concurrently, academic partners remain committed to exploring additional research opportunities founded on the Verily Connect trial.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e "},{"header":"Discussion and Implications","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe demographic shift of growth in the aging population underscores the escalating need for research and development in technology to cater to the aging population, particularly in healthcare and support services​. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e] Collaboration between academics, industry, and community-dwelling older adults is paramount to developing aging technology, leveraging the strengths of each sector to address complex challenges associated with aging and technology use. It ensures the development of aging technologies that are not only grounded in scientific research and commercially viable but also profoundly resonant with the needs and desires of the aging population. In this paper, in our Canadian and Australian studies, we have reflected upon the collaboration between academics, industry, and community-dwelling older adults regarding aging research and technology development.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn our studies, we worked with diverse groups of older adults. Recognizing the heterogeneity of older adults who experience diverse and evolving needs is important. Involving older adults and relevant partners ensures that the technologies developed are aligned with their actual needs and preferences, which can significantly improve the relevance and usability of the products. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e] The blending of academic research with industry pragmatism, combined with the lived experiences of older adults, creates opportunities for innovative solutions that may not emerge within a single sector. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e] Our results indicated invaluable knowledge exchanges and lessons we learned from each other in our multi-sectoral collaborations.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEngaging a diverse group of stakeholders in the development process encourages the consideration of ethical issues, such as cultural sensitivity and the needs of older adults with dementia and disabilities. The results of our work promoted the design of inclusive technologies that cater to a broader range of abilities and racial backgrounds. Participation in the development process empowers older adults, giving them a voice in creating technologies that affect their lives, which can lead to greater community engagement. Engaging these industries, patient and family partners ensured that our research addressed real-world challenges and needs. This approach enhanced our findings' credibility and underscored the importance of patient and family-centred care in dementia settings. It reinforced the idea that technology solutions should be designed with the end-users in mind, considering their unique experiences, preferences, and challenges. Furthermore, involving patient and family partners fostered a sense of empowerment and ownership among them. They actively shaped the research, contributing to developing more patient-centred and holistic approaches to dementia care. This collaborative relationship also strengthened the bonds between healthcare professionals and those they serve, promoting a sense of shared responsibility in improving practice.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt is important to note that Canadian and Australian case studies demonstrated opportunities for educating and training students and professionals across disciplines, fostering a workforce skilled in creating and implementing aging technologies. Such collaborations can spur the growth of interdisciplinary research fields, blending areas such as gerontology, computer science, engineering, and health sciences, which are essential for advancing aging technology. Collaborating with industry partners brought a practical dimension to our research. These partners often possess the technical expertise and resources to develop and implement technology solutions. By involving them, we ensured that our research was not confined to theoretical concepts but had a tangible path towards implementation. Industry partners could provide insights into the feasibility, scalability, and market readiness of technology solutions emerging from our research.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOur lessons highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between academia and industry in healthcare innovation. It emphasized that research should not exist in isolation but should be directly connected to the industry's capacity to translate findings into practical solutions. This alignment is essential for ensuring cutting-edge technologies find their way into healthcare settings to benefit patients and healthcare providers. Finally, collaboration with patient and family partners and industry partners enriched our research and highlighted the imperative for healthcare providers to actively engage with technology in their practice. We believe this inclusive and collaborative approach helps to co-create more effective and patient-centred solutions for senior care, promoting the accessibility of technology to benefit all for equity.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eIn conclusion, applying Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) approaches in collaborative endeavours on aging technology research is paramount for fostering meaningful and impactful partnerships. The ten practical tips outlined in this paper serve as actionable strategies to ensure that collaborative teams are diverse, culturally competent, and accessible. While these tips offer useful insights into collaboration, challenges such as underrepresentation, implicit biases, and power dynamics must be acknowledged and actively addressed. Overcoming these challenges requires a commitment to continuous learning and a dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable research environment. EDI efforts contribute to fostering research excellence and maximizing the potential to develop aging technologies that truly meet the diverse needs of older adults for societal impact.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthics approval and consent to participate\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study has been approved by the University of British Columbia Ethics Board (committee reference number:\u0026nbsp;H22-02089.)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability of data and materials\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe datasets used and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interests\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare that they have no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis work was supported by the Accelerate Fund under Mitacs [number IT27862].\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthors\u0026apos; contributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLH, KLYW, and IB developed the structure of the manuscript. LH was the major contributor, and KLYW, HR, IB, and TR also contributed to its writing. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors would like to express thanks to all industry and community partners.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNatural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). NSERC guide on integrating equity, diversity and inclusion considerations in research. 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Wodonga: John Richards Centre for Rural Ageing Research, La Trobe University; 2020.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWilding C, Davis H, Rasekaba T, Hamiduzzaman M, Royals K, Greenhill J, et al. Volunteers\u0026rsquo; Support of Carers of Rural People Living with Dementia to Use a Custom-Built Application. IJERPH. 2021;18:9909.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRolfe G, Jasper M, Freshwater D. Critical reflection in practice: Generating knowledge for care. 2nd edition. Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire;New York, NY; Palgrave Macmillan; 2011.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDeutsch AR, Lustfield R, Jalali MS. Community-based system dynamics modelling of stigmatized public health issues: Increasing diverse representation of individuals with personal experiences. 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ASPE. 2017. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://aspe.hhs.gov/reports/challenges-involving-people-dementia-study-participants-research-care-services-0\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"https://aspe.hhs.gov/reports/challenges-involving-people-dementia-study-participants-research-care-services-0\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e. Accessed 21 Mar 2024.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAllemang B, Sitter K, Dimitropoulos G. Pragmatism as a paradigm for patient-oriented research. Health Expect. 2022;25:38\u0026ndash;47.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHung L, Mann J, Upreti M. Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to foster the adoption of a new dementia education game during the COVID-19 pandemic. 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What is Inclusive Design. 2023. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://legacy.idrc.ocadu.ca/about-the-idrc/49-resources/online-resources/articles-and-papers/443-whatisinclusivedesign\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"https://legacy.idrc.ocadu.ca/about-the-idrc/49-resources/online-resources/articles-and-papers/443-whatisinclusivedesign\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e. Accessed 21 Mar 2024.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGenge C, McNeil H, Debergue P, Freeman S. Technology to support aging in place: key messages for policymakers and funders. Front Psychol. 2023;14:1287486.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"equity, diversity, inclusion, EDI, industry partners, community partners","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4151956/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4151956/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003ch2\u003eBackground\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe rapid advancement of gerontechnology, technologies for older adults, needs a collaborative approach, integrating the efforts of researchers, industry and community partners. Multisectoral collaboration fosters a holistic view, merging industry expertise, academic rigour, and the lived experiences of older adults and caregivers. This paper explores the role of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) perspectives in such collaboration.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMethods\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eWe present two case studies from Canada and Australia. Study one involves a Dementia Television project, and study two an innovative rural dementia care project. Data sources included case studies\u0026rsquo; focus group transcripts, research meeting notes, or publications between 2021\u0026ndash;2023 and 2016\u0026ndash;2024, respectively. Utilizing Rofel\u0026rsquo;s reflective model, we reflected on lessons learned regarding challenges, strategies, and their implications for future research. Our analysis focused on two questions: 1) What were the common challenges we encountered in partnering with industry and community in the research process? And 2) How can EDI be applied to help overcome those challenges?\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eResults\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThematic analysis identified five common themes of challenges and ten practical strategies. The challenges are (1) implicit bias, (2) underrepresentation, (3) communication gaps, (4) mistrust and (5) power dynamics. Based on the lessons learned, we identified ten practical strategies through EDI principles: (1) diverse representation, (2) establish transparent agreements, (3) inclusive language and cultural sensitivity, (4) apply flexibility to learn and adapt, (5) embed team reflection (6) take time to build trust and relationships, (7) meaningful engagement, (8) equitable recognition (9) foster a respectful environment for shared learning, and (10) cultivate a long-term sustained relationship.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eConclusion\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe older population is diverse, and their needs are complex. EDI considerations contribute to fostering research excellence and maximizing the potential to develop aging technologies that truly meet the diverse needs of older adults for societal impact. Multisector collaboration requires clear communication and intentional efforts to build trust. EDI considerations should be embedded at every stage of the research process. This paper outlined common challenges, strategies, and implications as practical tips for future research and practice.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"How can equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) principles be incorporated into research excellence with industry and community partners? Lessons learnt from Canada andAustralia","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2024-03-28 05:09:56","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4151956/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"65c895f9-3351-49bd-8286-1154d9b897ee","owner":[],"postedDate":"March 28th, 2024","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2024-05-02T07:08:09+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2024-03-28 05:09:56","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-4151956","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-4151956","identity":"rs-4151956","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"cBFmMYwuxLRRLfASyISRj","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}