Reducing drug-related admissions from Care Homes, improving well-being
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Action Research Project to reduce the Adverse effects of Polypharmacy in Care Homes
IRAS ID
198657
Contact name
Yvonne Morrissey
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
The project aims to improve quality of life, physical and mental well-being of older people living in Care Homes who are taking multiple medications as well as reduce unnecessary hospital admissions due to the adverse effects of medication. The project will involve collaborating with all related agencies and stakeholders, across the whole health economy taking forward a systematic approach to improvement and the development of strategies that are effective. The aim is to support Care Home staff and other multidisciplinary stakeholders involved in residents' care and residents themselves with their knowledge and understanding of medication. In particular with reference to the adverse effects of polypharmacy in older people and how these can be avoided.
A series of Educational and Practice Develoment sessions will be held in Care Homes firstly with Staff to improve understanding and confidence around residents' medication. There will also be a similar interactive session for residents themselves and their next of kin.
A "Claims, concerns and issues" format will generally be used in the sessions so as to support staff to reflect on and develop their practice. These will also take place in multi-disciplinary teams within the acute hospital including pharmacists and acute medical doctors and nurses. Therefore the whole health economy involved in residents' care (at the home or if admitted to hospital) will be involved.
Alongside the Educational sessions a qualitative study will be performed involving one-to-one interviews with consenting residents. This will be written up and disseminated to enable all health care practitioners to gain insight into residents' experience of their medication, their concerns and wishes to gain a better understanding of their priorities.
REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/0468
Date of REC Opinion
16 Jun 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion