| Agentic experiences within structures of long-term care: implications for research and practice Simon Fraser University, University of Dundee, KITE Research Institute at University Health Network | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2019-05-24 | Mei Fang, Judith Sixsmith, Mineko Wada, Sarah Canham, Lupin Battersby, "Ryan Woolrych", Andrew Sixsmith |
| Challenges of implementing transdisciplinary working in aging and technology researchObjective: Adopting transdisciplinary working (TDW) in research is crucial for addressing ‘wicked’ problems such as developing useful and usable technologies for older adults as this requires new knowledge production and innovation through collaboration among scientists from diverse disciplines and various experiential stakeholders (e.g., older adults, industry, policy makers). Given the scant research to date on using and applying TDW in this context, this study explored perceptions and experiences of TDW within a pan-Canadian Network of Centres of Excellence on aging and technology. Methods: Thirty network members from various disciplinary and research backgrounds participated in semi-structured interviews on their experience with teamwork and collaboration. Interview data were thematically analyzed drawing on Giddens’ structuration theory. Findings: In our analysis we identified key challenges experienced in implementing TDW. At the individual level, researchers’ lack of time and effort was a common hindrance cited by participants. At the team and project level, challenges included finding appropriate research partners, communication, tensions with network members favouring a traditional approach and those valuing TDW, and difficulties with evaluating TDW. At the system level, academic and organizational expectations were identified as counter to the principles of TDW. Conclusions: We discuss how the traditional research arena is structured to promote individualism, hierarchy, and competition over collaboration and team-based research, the latter of which are central to TDW. Such a system supports a traditional approach to research and encourages researchers to sustain it. Strategies for addressing the identified challenges are suggested in order to better foster TDW within the network. University of Dundee, Toronto Rehab Institute/University of Toronto, Toronto Rehab Institute, University Health Network, Simon Fraser University | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2018-10-20 | Mineko Wada, Judith Sixsmith, Alisa Grigorovich, Pia Kontos, Mei Fang |
| Perceived benefits of incorporating transdisciplinary working into research on aging and technologyObjective: Transdisciplinary working (TDW) aims to address real-world problems through cross-disciplinary and cross-sectoral collaboration in research. In the field of aging and technology, TDW is crucial because developing appropriate and useful technologies involves understanding and addressing real-world problems faced by older adults. Further, this requires the creation of new knowledge by integrating and transcending diverse disciplinary and sectoral knowledge and perspectives (e.g., of older adults, industry, policy-makers). This study explored how members of a pan-Canadian Network of Centres of Excellence in aging and technology understood and enagaged in TDW research, with particular focus on the perceived benefits of TDW. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 30 network members with diverse disciplinary and sectoral backgrounds and network roles and analysed the interview data thematically. Findings: Participants who incorporated some TDW principles into their research identified important benefits gained from doing so. At an individual level, it creates opportunities for researchers, trainees, and students to learn from each other about new theories, methodologies, and perspectives. At the team and project level, adopting TDW principles expands a team’s capacity to holistically understand and address problems, which was perceived as leading to better research outcomes. At a community level, integrating TDW principles empowers older adults and other communitybased stakeholders through their involvement in research and technology development. Despite these perceived benefits, many participants did not fully implement TDW in their research. Conclusions: We discuss the discrepancy between participants’ perceived benefits and implementation of TDW. Strategies for mitigating barriers to implementing TDW will be suggested. University of Dundee, Toronto Rehab Institute/University of Toronto, Toronto Rehab Institute, University Health Network, Simon Fraser University | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2018-10-20 | Mineko Wada, Judith Sixsmith, Alisa Grigorovich, Pia Kontos, Mei Fang |
| The impacts of long-term care home relocations on residents’ health and well-being University of Dundee, Simon Fraser University, KITE Research Institute at University Health Network | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2019-05-24 | Mineko Wada, Sarah Canham, Lupin Battersby, "Ryan Woolrych", Judith Sixsmith, Mei Fang, Andrew Sixsmith |
| Aging gracefully across environments using technology to support wellness, engagement and long life (AGEWELL): A national research network in technology and aging. University of Dundee | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2016-11-04 | Judith Sixsmith |
| Developing Technologies for Older Persons using a Transdisciplinary Approach University of Dundee | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2016-11-04 | Judith Sixsmith |
| Enhancing development and uptake of technologies for older persons using a transdisciplinary approach. AGE-WELL NCE Inc, University of Toronto, Toronto Rehab Institute, University Health Network, University of Dundee | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2016-10-20 | Alisa Grigorovich, Pia Kontos, Judith Sixsmith |
| Facilitators and Barriers to Transdisciplinary Working in Aging and Technology Research: An Exploration of Experiences in a Pan-Canadian Research Network Simon Fraser University, AGE-WELL NCE Inc, University of Toronto, Toronto Rehab Institute, University Health Network, University of Dundee | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2017-10-20 | Mei Fang, Alisa Grigorovich, Mineko Wada, Pia Kontos, Judith Sixsmith |
| LivingMyCulture.ca: New Online Tool to Support Culturally Safe Care University of Dundee | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2016-10-16 | Judith Sixsmith |
| Middle-aged and older adults’ information and communication technology access: A realist review University of Dundee | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2016-10-20 | Lupin Battersby, Judith Sixsmith |
| Placemaking with and for older people University of Dundee | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2017-01-10 | Judith Sixsmith |
| Supporting the successful development and uptake of assistive technologies for older adults through transdisciplinary research and innovation.. University of Dundee | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2016-11-30 | Judith Sixsmith |
| Embodiment, relationality, and citizenship: A new perspective on musicality and dementia Toronto Rehab Institute, University Health Network, AGE-WELL NCE Inc, University of Toronto | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2017-10-20 | Pia Kontos, Alisa Grigorovich |
| Experiences of transdisciplinary working in a Pan-Canadian network on ageing and technology: Integrating transdisciplinary principles into research Toronto Rehab Institute/University of Toronto, University of Dundee, Toronto Rehab Institute, University Health Network, Simon Fraser University | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2018-09-07 | Alisa Grigorovich, Mineko Wada, Judith Sixsmith, Pia Kontos, Mei Fang |
| Technology for Successful Ageing. University of Dundee | Scientific Excellence - Leadership | 2016-03-08 | Judith Sixsmith |
| Ageing, Urban Environments and Place: Moving towards a transdisciplinary research agenda University of Dundee | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2017-03-05 | "Ryan Woolrich", Judith Sixsmith |
| An exploration of experiences of transdisciplinary research in aging and technologyAbstract: Transdisciplinary research (TDR) involves academics/scientists collaborating with stakeholders from diverse disciplinary and sectoral backgrounds. While TDR has been recognized as beneficial in generating innovative solutions to complex social problems, knowledge is limited about researchers' perceptions and experiences of TDR in the aging and technology field. We conducted a qualitative study to address this knowledge gap by exploring how members of a pan-Canadian research network on aging and technology perceived and experienced TDR. Thirty members participated in semi-structured interviews. Interview data were analyzed thematically. Participants identified benefits that can be gained from implementing TDR, including mutual learning, improved capacity to understand and solve problems, and community engagement and empowerment. Participants also identified challenges to implementing TDR: communication issues and conflicting priorities among team members; tensions between traditional and TDR approaches; and difficulties identifying partners and developing partnerships. In addition, contradictions between TDR principles and participants' understanding of them became apparent. Nevertheless, some participants described successful strategies for implementing transdisciplinary principles in their projects: stakeholder engagement; language and goal sharing; and open, respectful communication. We offer recommendations to support TDR in aging and technology that focus on education and reform of the culture and values that can constrain efforts to practice TDR.
Wada, Mineko; Grigorovich, Alisa; Fang, Mei Lan; Sixsmith, Judith & Kontos, Pia (2020). An Exploration of Experiences of Transdisciplinary Research in Aging and Technology [66 paragraphs]. Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung / Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 21(1), Art. 12, http://dx.doi.org/10.17169/fqs-21.1.3332. Toronto Rehab Institute/University of Toronto, Simon Fraser University, University of Dundee, Toronto Rehab Institute, University Health Network | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2020-01-28 | Mineko Wada, Alisa Grigorovich, Mei Fang, Judith Sixsmith, Pia Kontos |
| Transdisciplinary research in aging and technology: Experiences from a pan-Canadian research network Toronto Rehab Institute/University of Toronto, University of Dundee, Simon Fraser University, Toronto Rehab Institute, University Health Network | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2018-11-01 | Alisa Grigorovich, Mineko Wada, Judith Sixsmith, Mei Fang, Pia Kontos |
| Leadership position: Co-Chair of Dementia Research Network University of Dundee | Scientific Excellence - Leadership | 2017-09-19 | Judith Sixsmith |
| Leadership Position: Director of Institute of Health and Wellbeing University of Dundee | Scientific Excellence - Leadership | 2017-09-19 | Judith Sixsmith |
| Leadership position: Expert on Aging and Technology for the European Commission University of Dundee | Scientific Excellence - Leadership | 2017-09-19 | Judith Sixsmith |
| Leadership Position: Lead for the Research Group of the Palliative and End of Life Managed Care Network for Tayside University of Dundee | Scientific Excellence - Leadership | 2017-09-19 | Judith Sixsmith |
| Developing Technologies for Older Persons using a Transdisciplinary Approach University of Dundee | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2016-11-04 | Judith Sixsmith |
| Enhancing development and uptake of technologies for older persons using a transdisciplinary approach. University of Dundee | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2016-10-20 | Judith Sixsmith |
| LivingMyCulture.ca: New Online Tool to Support Culturally Safe Care University of Dundee | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2016-10-16 | Judith Sixsmith |
| Re-building sense-of-place amongst older adults transitioning into affordable housing. University of Dundee | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2016-11-04 | Judith Sixsmith |
| Supporting the successful development and uptake of assistive technologies for older adults through transdisciplinary research and innovation. University of Dundee | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2016-09-30 | Judith Sixsmith |
| Transdisciplinary approach towards ‘thinking commercially’: Enhancing commercialization in aging and technology research University of Dundee | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2016-10-20 | Judith Sixsmith |
| Facilitators and Barriers to Transdiciplinary Working in Aging and Technology Research: An exploration of experiences in a Pan-Canadian Research network AGE-WELL NCE Inc, University of Toronto, Simon Fraser University, Toronto Rehab Institute, University Health Network, University of Dundee | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2017-10-20 | Mineko Wada, Alisa Grigorovich, Mei Fang, Pia Kontos, Judith Sixsmith |
| Keynote address: Placemaking with and for older people University of Dundee | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2017-01-10 | Judith Sixsmith |
| Co-creating project lay summaries with stakeholdersFunding bodies are increasingly requesting lay-summaries for research proposals to communicate the projects’ real-world relevance to the public. Many researchers find this difficult because they generally write for fellow subject specialists or academics. The Transdisciplinary Working (CC3) team therefore organized two lay-summary co-creation workshops for the AGE-WELL network. These workshops were designed to help researchers co-develop their project lay-summaries with stakeholders; and to develop guidelines for lay-summary co-creation for AGE-WELL researchers. Our poster presents the co-creation protocol and feedback from the researchers and other stakeholders about their experiences with the co-creation process. Following an analysis of the workshops, we developed a set of guidelines that suggest 1) stakeholders need to be informed about the goals and expectations of the co-creation process; and 2) facilitators need to be skilled enough to navigate the negotiation process and subsequently integrate stakeholders’ and researchers’ perspectives into the lay-summary of a project.
Wada, M., Cosco, T., Lowe, S., Harwood, G., Gale, B. -J., Forsythe, L., Fang, M. L., Sixsmith, J., & Sixsmith, A. (2019, October). Co-creating project lay summaries with stakeholders. Poster presented at the AGE-WELL’s 5th Annual Conference, October 22-24, Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. Simon Fraser University, University of Oxford, University of Dundee, KITE Research Institute at University Health Network | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2019-10-23 | Mineko Wada, Theodore Cosco, Susan D. Lowe, "Gail Harwood", "Bonnie-Jean Gale", "Linda Forsythe", Mei Fang, Judith Sixsmith, Andrew Sixsmith |
| Transdisciplinary research in aging and technology: Experiences from a pan-Canadian research networkPresented at the Gerontological Society of America 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting, Boston, Massachusetts, United States. Toronto Rehab Institute/University of Toronto, University of Dundee, Simon Fraser University, Toronto Rehab Institute, University Health Network | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2018-11-17 | Alisa Grigorovich, Mineko Wada, Judith Sixsmith, Mei Fang, Pia Kontos |
| Transdisciplinary Working in Aging and Technology Research and Development: Contradictions, Tensions and Best Practices AGE-WELL NCE Inc, University of Toronto, Simon Fraser University, Toronto Rehab Institute, University Health Network, University of Dundee | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2017-10-18 | Mineko Wada, Alisa Grigorovich, Mei Fang, Pia Kontos, Judith Sixsmith |
| Guidelines for co-creating lay summaries of research with stakeholders University of Dundee, Simon Fraser University, University of Oxford, KITE Research Institute at University Health Network | Product | 2019-12-10 | Mineko Wada, Judith Sixsmith, "Gail Harwood", Theodore Cosco, Mei Fang, Andrew Sixsmith |
| Understanding the Digital Divide: Information and Communication technology access and use amongst middle-aged and older adults. University of Dundee | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2016-11-04 | Judith Sixsmith |
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