Virtual research stakeholder groups with isolated homebound elders and caregivers: Lessons learned relevant to research during pandemics

An estimated 7.3 million elders in the United States are home-limited. Not only are elders generally underrepresented in clinical trials and other research, homebound and seriously ill individuals are historically difficult to engage in patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR) due to functional limitations and digital literacy challenges. We successfully used videoconferencing technology to engage homebound elders and caregivers longitudinally as PCOR stakeholder advisors. Our experiences with remote engagement are relevant for conducting research with isolated or difficult-to-reach populations during and beyond the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)