DeCoDe-H -dementia, comfort and distress study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Improving care in acute hospitals: development and feasibility study of rules- of -thumb to promote comfort and decrease distress (DeCoDe-H)
IRAS ID
252765
Contact name
Elizabeth Sampson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
to be added, UCL data protection number
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 31 days
Research summary
People with dementia, who are patients in acute hospitals, may not be able to communicate their needs to staff. They may be uncomfortable or in pain and this can cause distress. Maintaining comfort (physical and psychological) is a key but neglected aspect of good care. We aim to develop new ways to detect discomfort and distress and help staff improve the care they give.
We wish develop a simple rules-of-thumb (sometimes known as “heuristics”) intervention which can be used by different hospital staff. There are two main parts to our study:
First, we will collect information about a group of patients with moderate and severe dementia on acute hospital wards. We will observe them for an hour to identify the most common sources of pain, discomfort and distress. This includes checking the environment to see if it is too hot or cold, noisy or bright, and how staff interact with them. We will look for good care and how these problems are managed well.
Second, we will use this information to co-design a practical toolkit for staff to use to improve patient comfort. Co-design uses knowledge and experience from carers, staff and specialists. Focus groups and interviews will involve people with dementia, advocates, hospital staff and carers.
Patient and public involvement has informed our study from its initial development. We have worked closely with our expert by experience co-applicant. A core group of family carers from different backgrounds and places will be members of our project management group, involved with project design, analysis and dissemination.
We will ensure our results are in journals/dementia care press and publicized through social media and at conferences. To reach frontline practitioners we will work with NHS Trust dementia leads, Health Education England, Skills for Health, Royal College of Nursing and practice development organisations.REC name
London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/LO/0036
Date of REC Opinion
12 Mar 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion