A guide to research with care homes

Abstract

This is the accepted version of the paper.This version of the publication may differ from the final published version. Permanent repository link AbstractPurpose -A growing older population with complex care needs, including dementia, are living in care homes. It is important to support researchers in conducting ethical and appropriate work in this complex research environment. The purpose of this paper is to discuss key issues in care homes research including examples of best practice. The intention is to inform researchers across disciplines, leading to more sensitive and meaningful care home research practice. Design/methodology/approach -Experienced care homes researchers were invited to provide methodological insights and details not already reported in their publications. These have been analysed, creating key themes and linked to project publications. Findings -The need for reflexivity was a key finding. In particular, researchers need to: appreciate that the work is complex; see participants as potential research partners; and consider how cognitive and physical frailty of residents, staffing pressures and the unique environments of care homes might impact upon their research. Other challenges include recruitment and consenting people who lack mental capacity. Research limitations/implications -As the care homes research landscape continues to develop and grow, there still remains limited reflection and discussion of methodological issues with a need for a "safe space" for researchers to discuss challenges. Originality/value -This review is an updated methodological guide for care homes researchers, also highlighting current gaps in the mechanisms for continuing to share best research practice.

Older care-home residents as collaborators or advisors in research: a systematic review

“…Consequently, care homes are unique research settings and care-home residents need specific consideration in relation to how they may be involved in research. Recently, guidance has been developed for conducting research in care homes [ 16 ] and a resource produced to inform researchers planning to involve care-home residents, relatives and friends as PPI members in their research [ 17 ]. Learning from previous research involving older care-home residents as PPI members is vital to improve the effective inclusion of this marginalised group in future studies so they can have a voice and active role in research.…”

Older care home residents’ and their relatives’ knowledge, understanding and views of shift handovers: an exploratory, focused-ethnographic qualitative study using interviews and observations

“…Handovers are influenced by organisational cultures16 which may be described as the way in which things are done, or ways of behaving in a given work setting, whether this is a particular location (such as a hospital ward or care home) or a wider field (such as types of care homes). Adopting this perspective means that handovers can be seen as rituals in organisational settings.…”

Handovers in care homes for older people – their type, timing and usefulness. Findings from a scoping review

“…Care homes themselves comprise ‘complex and often contradictory environments with their mixture of private and public spaces, individual and communal existences, a home for residents and a work place for staff’ (Kenkmann et al 2017: 8). While they often resemble each other in terms of layout and in the support needs of those who live in them, their cultures may differ substantially (Luff, Ferreira and Meyer 2011). The combination of funding pressures, difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff, regulatory pressures to improve standards of record keeping, and differences between homes in terms of their ownership, culture and clientele suggest it is worth exploring whether shift handovers provide a microcosm of the current care home environment in England.…”