Advancing the Evidence Base for Adult Day Services: A New Five-Year Research Agenda for 2026–2031

Abstract

Background: Adult day services (ADS) provide care and social support for adults with complex health needs, yet they remain an understudied long-term care sector whose impact on patient outcomes is unclear. Objective: To inform an updated research agenda that supports a coordinated approach to measuring impact of ADS and gaps in services in an evolving policy landscape. Methods: We convened 32 stakeholders in partnership with the National Adult Day Services Association. Following a pre-convening evidence review, a facilitated discussion took place. Rapid qualitative synthesis of notes was used to identify themes and consensus priorities. Results: Participants’ priority was strengthening data infrastructure. They wished to leverage data to identify workforce shortages, implement evidence-based interventions, advance policymaker understanding of ADS, and address uneven reimbursements. The agenda prioritizes standardizing outcome measures, supporting workforce capacity, and translating research into policy. These stakeholder-informed priorities can guide research and policy to demonstrate impact and expand access to ADS.