BHiRCH feasibility study Version 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Feasibility study of an evidence based intervention to reduce avoidable hospital admissions in residents in care homes (the Better Health in Residents in Care Homes) study
IRAS ID
203344
Contact name
Elizabeth Sampson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Joint Research Office University College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106/2016/05/49, UCL data protection registration
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 25 days
Research summary
Early detection and intervention for ill health in residents in care homes with nursing is problematic. People living in care homes can be admitted to hospital for conditions which, if noticed and treated earlier, could be managed in the care home. The Better Health in Residents in Care Homes (BHiRCH) programme aims to reduce rates of avoidable hospital admissions from care homes (with nursing) for respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, dehydration and acute exacerbation of chronic heart failure by ensuring early detection and early intervention. This has the potential to prevent an emergency presentation to hospital. This project is focused on these four conditions which are responsible for a large proportion of unplanned hospitalisations.
Our Programme Development Grant identified multi-component interventions which, when tested in US nursing homes, showed promise in reducing avoidable admissions. The BHiRCH programme comprises the following components:
1.Early Warning Tool (Stop and Watch Early Warning Tool).
2.Care Pathway (clinical guidance and decision support system).
3.Structured method for communicating with primary care.
4. Knowledge and skills development for care home staff and family members, close friends or care partners.
5.Family members, close friends or care partners’ involvement.
6.Implementation support.The intervention and implementation guidance will be tested in two care homes in Bradford over a 3-month period to optimise them for the subsequent pilot cluster randomised trial. Two nurses within each home will become Practice Development Champions who will be trained to implement the intervention, and these nurses will be supported a Practice Development Support Group. All staff members will be involved in supporting the intervention, and any care partners of the residents will be offered the opportunity to participate. Number of avoidable hospital admission will be recorded along with other data collected from staff, residents and care partners through questionnaires. Qualitative data will be collected through focus group and qualitative interviews.
REC name
London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/1361
Date of REC Opinion
26 Sep 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion