Widening research participation: a survey exploring stakeholders' views about opportunities for older adults living in UK care homes to participate in research

Abstract

Background/Aims Older adults living in care homes are underrepresented in research, resulting in a poorer evidence base for their care. Increasing opportunities and ability for care home residents to be included in research is urgently needed. This survey explored the views and experiences of relevant stakeholders in the UK about opportunities for residents to participate in research, decisions about participation, and the barriers and facilitators to their involvement. Methods The survey was conducted from September to December 2022 using an online survey tool or paper-based format. Participants were recruited via multiple routes, including social media and contact with care homes. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and free-text responses were analysed using content analysis. Results A total of 80 participants responded to the survey, of which 46 were suitable for analysis from care home residents (n=6), relatives (n=11), care home staff (n=14), other health and social care professionals who work with care homes (n=7), and researchers (n=8). The main barriers identified were the discordance between stakeholders' awareness of research opportunities and difficulties with residents' communication needs. Facilitators included effective communication between stakeholders, positive staff engagement and researchers' flexibility. Conclusions There are a number of barriers to the inclusion of care home residents in research. There is a need to develop strategies to improve communication and relationships between stakeholders, as well as training programmes to educate stakeholders about care home-based research and its benefits. Implications for practice These findings can support the development of strategies to improve communication and relationships between stakeholders, training programmes to educate stakeholders about care home research and its benefits, and targeted interventions to improve research inclusion for UK care home residents.