A study evaluating the impact of Covid-19 on research in care homes

Researchers: Kelly Hard NIHR Clinical Research Network West Midlands

You are being invited to take part in a research study. Before you decide, it is important that you understand why the research is being done and what it would involve for you. Please take time to read this information, and discuss it with others if you wish. If there is anything that is not clear, or if you would like more information, please ask the researcher.

What is the purpose of the study?

The purpose of the study is to find out your opinions on doing research with care home residents during the COVID-19 pandemic and after.
The aim is to inform and improve future research done in care home settings, so as to make it relevant, and acceptable to people in these settings.

Why have I been invited to take part?

You are either a:

Resident of a care home in the west midlands

Family member, relative or friend of a resident in a care home in the west midlands

Staff member/volunteer working in a care home in the west midlands

A member of a research team who has or may undertake research in a care home in the west midlands.

What does taking part involve?

You will complete a quick online survey giving your opinion of research in care home settings during and after the pandemic.
The survey will be open for at least 4 weeks after you receive this information leaflet and so you will have until then to decide whether or not to participate.

The online survey should take between 5-10 minutes to complete and consists of mainly multiple choice answers.

Do I have to take part?

No. The decision to take part is completely voluntary, and is up to you. If you decide to complete this online survey, this will be completely anonymous and you will not be identifiable in anyway. Once you have completed the online survey you will not be able to withdraw any of your answers or change your mind as we will not be able to identify you in anyway.

Are there any possible disadvantages or risks from taking part?

No, as this is an online survey whereby your personal opinions and experiences are being given there are no anticipated disadvantages.

What are the possible benefits of taking part?

It is not anticipated that there are any direct benefits to you of taking part. It is hoped that the results of this study will inform the design and practice of research undertaken in care home settings in the future

Will my taking part in the study be kept confidential?

Yes, all information obtained by the research team will be kept confidential and will only be used to answer the research question. The data provided will be stored on password protected computers and will only be accessible by members of the research team. The data will be stored in line with GDPR and ICH GCP.

Will I be reimbursed for taking part?

Individuals will not be reimbursed for taking part, but there is an option at the end of the survey for you to provide a name and contact details to enter you into a prize draw to win a gift voucher (how much). The winner will be chosen at random once the survey has closed. Once the winner has been chosen and contact made all personal information provided will be destroyed in line with GDPR.

What happens at the end of the study?

Once the survey has closed the data collected will be analysed. A summary of the findings will be sent out to all groups who received the invitation to take part in the study, regardless of whether they chose to participate or not. A report will be provided to the NIHR West Midlands CRN who are funding this project, as well as distributed amongst key stakeholders. It is hoped that the results of this project will be published in peer reviewed journal articles.

What if there is a problem?

In the first instance contact the lead researcher (kelly.hard@nihr.ac.uk) or the sponsors of the study Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust.

Will I be approached about further research?

At the end of the online survey there is an option for you to provide your contact details in order for you to be contacted about potential participation in the next phase of this project which involves an interview. If you wish to receive information about the second part of the study you will be asked to provide your contact details. Again this is completely voluntary.

Further information and contact details:

If you have any questions about participating in this study then please contact Kelly Hard on kelly.hard@nihr.ac.uk

Thank you for taking the time to read this information and considering taking part.

If you wish to take part then please follow the link:
https://forms.gle/2xpp8BkGtvhTFCvP6 If you are a care home resident or friends/relative of a care home relative

https://forms.gle/Wy2xNf2BkKpXzkCeA if you are a member of staff in a care home or are delivering research in a care home setting.