The Opportunities and Challenges of Conducting Observational Research in Care Homes: What a Researcher Brings, Does, and Leaves Behind?

Abstract

Context: Observation is an increasingly popular method for care home research. However, there are challenges associated with the use of this method in this context. As researchers, what we bring, what we do, and what we leave behind when using this method can have a significant impact on the lives and work of people in care homes. Perspective: Drawing on the experiences of two research teams, we share real-world examples of the ethical, methodological, and practical concerns when using the non-participant observation method in a care home context. Four key areas for observational research in care homes are considered: privacy and confidentiality; managing consent; observation activities and the role and skills of the researcher; and sensitivity, reflexivity, and relational aspects of observational research. We offer examples from our work to guide researchers on: i) making a case for ethics; ii) the observational ‘gaze’ (or focus); iii) including people who lack capacity; iv) addressing concerns about care or practices; v) the role of the researcher; and vi) addressing observational sensitivities. Implications: This paper highlights the opportunities and challenges of the non-participant observation method for care home research. In particular, we highlight the unique contextual and ‘people’ factors for researchers to consider. Our paper addresses a significant gap in the existing literature. It will be of interest to researchers world-wide, generating discussions that will support the research community to undertake research that appropriately uses observational methods to address questions that matter for the sector and to generate high-quality evidence with the potential to benefit those living and working in care homes.

Keywords

• observation
• long-term residential care
• care home
• ethics
• method
• real-world research