Journal of Long-Term Care (Jun 2024)
Doing Research on Homecare: The Views and Experiences of UK Homecare Providers and Researchers
Abstract
Context: In the UK, increased investment in social care research provides an opportunity to extend the currently sparse evidence base on homecare. However, experiences of doing research in care homes suggest there may be challenges to achieving successful collaborations between homecare providers and researchers. Objective: The aim was to explore homecare providers’ experiences of supporting research, and researchers’ experiences of such partnerships. Method: A qualitative approach was used. Six homecare providers and nine researchers were interviewed. Collectively, they had been involved with/led 14 studies. The data was analysed thematically. Findings: Researchers described the challenges of identifying homecare providers to act as research sites, and the value of developing relationships with local providers in anticipation of potential research collaborations. Multiple factors influenced homecare providers’ decisions to support a study, including researchers’ attitudes and behaviours. Homecare providers described unanticipated demands on staff time. Most found they were under-equipped to do the research tasks required of them. This may have resulted in deviations from the protocol or ethical practice. However, such difficulties had typically been overcome, supported by a positive relationship with the researcher/research team. Limitations: The representativeness of the homecare providers recruited (against all homecare providers who have supported research) is unclear. All those recruited held a positive view about research. Implications: Findings highlight the support and resources homecare providers need to get involved with and support research. This, in turn, points to a need for strategic investment in training and research support to the sector, conceived and developed in partnership with them.
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