The Value of Research for Allied Health Professionals Working in Care Homes
Research, evidenced based practice and maintaining continuous professional development is essential for Allied Health Professionals working in care homes. Whilst there are clear benefits which support our clinical practice and outcomes with the people we work with, it can also be daunting for clinicians who are not immersed in the world of research full-time.
I am fortunate to work as Head of Therapies for an organisation who values Rehabilitation and Research and goes the extra mile to bring research to life. Researchers can be seen as our critical friends, challenging our practice (positively) and asking why we do things in the way we do and whether that is the best way of doing it.
Bringing Care Home Teams, Residents and Researchers Together
I have been privileged to both present and attend our Care Home Research Forum hosted by our organisation (with an international audience) and now in its fourth year. The aim of this day is to bring Residents, Care Home Teams and Researchers together. We are often approached by researchers who have already decided on their area of research but we also hope to turn the tables and to have a dialogue with researchers about the areas we feel would benefit from research as well.
My reflection on last year was a room simply buzzing with energy which brings research to life, helps demystify some of the barriers and allows a wonderful creativity and sharing of information. During the day, wonderful networks were established, collaborations were agreed where we can come together and not reinvent the wheel but support the sector as a whole with implementing excellence and evidenced based practice. Opportunities exist and this is a fantastic way to feel inspired. Research changes from something that can seem daunting to an area people become passionate about, seeing the relevance to everyday practice. It’s an amazing moment when a Resident talks about the areas they would like to see researched themselves.
Recordings of the presentations from our previous Care Home Research Forums are available on our website (https://nightingalehammerson.org/reach/research/ ). You can book to attend this year’s event (on Wednesday 13th November, 2024) here: https://nightingalehammerson.org/reach/research/chrf2024/
It was also inspiring to recently welcome two members of our BSG Care Home SIG to Nightingale Hammerson for an immersive experience, living on the households with our residents with the focus of exploring how to share research effectively with care home teams. I would strongly encourage any researchers to come and live-in for a while as this gives a rich and inclusive experience.
Making Research for Everyone
I am also passionate about supporting all residents so everyone can benefit from research. This can bring challenges e.g. ethics approval when including residents who lack mental capacity to understand the research itself. However, we shouldn’t shy away from this and need to be advocates for the people we support.
We know that clinicians are passionate about their roles but we also understand the reality of a busy schedule and delivering the day job. How then can we reach clinicians and care home teams to disseminate and make research accessible? I might leave this question here for us all as it’s definitely ongoing. There are many barriers, even basic ones at times such as being able to access journal articles without cost.
What works for me? Being part of events such as the care home research forum, establishing networks that can be far reaching of wonderful people with a vast range of skills and experience. An organisation that integrates the language of research and supports researchers to feedback once their research is finished so the loop is closed.
More recently, our organisation has collaborated with A1 Risk Solutions enabling us to work together implanting single-handed care as an example. Deborah from A1 Risk Solutions has also been brave enough to come and live in for a week and immerse herself in our community. Would researchers consider being part of the practical implementation? This makes a huge difference with the psychology of change and the confidence of implementation.
It’s also wonderful to see equipment companies hiring clinicians (or even being run by clinicians) and sharing their evidence base and research generously. As a clinician on the ground, it is hugely beneficial to be able to find research summaries, up to date practice and accessible information quickly. Sharing resources helps us all.
I value opportunities to visit events such as the Occupational Therapy Show, of being part of an inspiring frailty community of practice network, of being able to access webinars online as well as in person and simply being in a community of like-minded people who encourage and support each other on the journey. Supporting student placements is also invaluable allowing future generations of AHPs to thrive whilst also helping us to be up to date with our own practice. We were thrilled to support one of our Therapy Team with her student research and dissertation on occupation and menopause.
Wishing you all an inspiring journey.
Rosalind Gray
Head of Therapies
Nightingale Hammerson (https://nightingalehammerson.org/ )
