Co-producing personalised care solutions
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Co-producing socio-technical solutions for people living with complex multi-morbidity.
IRAS ID
170381
Contact name
Joseph Wherton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen Mary University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 30 days
Research summary
The study aims to explore how to support the involvement of older people with complex multi-morbidity (both cognitive and physical impairment) in the development of assisted living technologies (ALTs) to support them. There is much policy interest and investment into the use of ALTs for older people. This includes technologies such as ‘telecare’, (continuous and remote monitoring of activity and real time emergencies through sensor devices and personal alarms), as well as stand alone technologies, such as medication reminders. Most previous research in this area has been technology-focused (i.e. sought to develop particular technologies and promote their adoption). However, often the reality of ALT adoption and use is that many people are assessed for, and fitted with, a technology that does not meet their needs or preferences. This is because older people have a highly unique set of technological and support needs.
This study will involve ethnographic research (interviews, observations and focus groups) to inform the development of a person-centred methodology to the development and provision of ALTs to support older people with complex multi-morbidity. The study will seek to illuminate the assisted living needs of this user group, and how health and social care providers can work directly with them to ‘co-produce’ solutions to meet their individual needs and preferences.
We will visit up to 10 people in their own homes to understand how they live their lives and their experiences with using (or not using) ALTs. This will include up to 6 visits over a 12 month period. We will invite participants to discuss how existing ALTs and services could be developed and adapted so that they better meet their needs. In addition, we will conduct interviews and observations with ALT services to understand the challenges providing ALTs and how the organisations could provide ALTs in a more person-centred way.
REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/0482
Date of REC Opinion
13 May 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion