Expanding the Translational Research Team Workforce to Include Older Adult Center (OAC) Staff

INTRODUCTION: Poorly controlled high blood pressure (BP) adversely affects health outcomes for older adults (OAs). Older Adult Centers (OACs) provide congregate meals and wellness programs to OAs, providing opportunities to test novel methods of BP control while enhancing translational skills of OAC staff. 

METHODS: A partnership among Rockefeller University (RU), Clinical Directors Network (CDN), and Carter Burden Network (CBN) tested whether providing DASH diet-aligned meals in a congregate setting with home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM), could lower BP. The intervention was designed in collaboration with CBN members, partner organizations, and NYC Department for the Aging (DFTA). RU translational bionutritionists worked with CBN Food Service staff to devise menus that met the community's tastes/ preferences. Outcomes: change in BP & BP control; Covariates: demographics, menu fidelity, meal attendance and meal satisfaction, HBPM adherence, food costs, and RE-AIM implementation outcomes.

RESULTS: The study included 94 older, racially diverse participants. Results listed by Translational Science Benefits Model (TSBM) domains included: Policy & Legislative - RU CTSA bionutritionists and CBN food service managers, staff and clients worked closely to develop menus that secured DFTA approval, which is required for use in congregate meal programs. Clinical  - Change in systolic BP at Month 1: 4 mmHg, p=0.07; change in HBPM Month 6: 6.9 mmHg, p=0.004. Community Public Health - DASH meals served were aligned with planned menus, meal attendance remained consistent, and meal satisfaction was high. Economic: food costs increased by 10%. 

DISCUSSION: This novel translational CTSA-OAC workforce implemented two evidence-based interventions: DASH and HBPM. Outcomes demonstrated effectiveness, feasibility, fidelity, and acceptability. Future research should examine economic sustainability and the funding landscape for food and safety net programs.