Importance of collaboration and contextual factors in the development and implementation of social participation initiatives for older adults living in rural areas

Introduction To encourage isolated and vulnerable older adults to accomplish meaningful social activities, occupational therapists other healthcare workers must collaborate with community organisations municipalities develop implement initiatives fostering participation. In a rural Regional County Municipality in Quebec (Canada), four participation were selected implemented: (1) Benevolent Community, (2) urban transportation system, (3) creation of website on (4) workshop. Little is known about contextual factors such as the structures organisations, stakeholders, physical environment that influence development implementation initiatives. Methods Led by an academic therapist, action research was initiated stakeholders. The 26 stakeholders involved Management Partnership Committee, two focus groups interview trainer, which documented analysed process. Findings discussion Development facilitated stakeholder collaboration, mission stakeholders' shared desire reduce adults' isolation vulnerability. established partnerships predefined orientations well leadership, motivation, professional skills also fostered Among challenges encountered, limited involvement tasks attributable important changes key number involved. Difficulty reaching consensus resulting from different attitudes, vision, understanding delayed some Despite regular meetings between geographic distance spontaneous exchanges. Conclusion This highlighted importance collaboration developing implementing municipalities.