Research methods priorities in geriatric palliative medicine.

Continuing the momentum of geriatric palliative medicine research achieved during the past decade requires a focus on research methods priorities that span the continuum of research from small pilot studies testing new interventions to large multisite studies evaluating implementation of proven interventions and models of care. Each phase of this continuum presents unique challenges for investigators who are designing, conducting, and reporting results of these scientific endeavors. The goal of this article is to describe the top priorities in research methods for the field of geriatric palliative medicine that will enable the field to rapidly respond to the changing landscape of health care policy and quality improvement initiatives.