ExCHANGE Evaluation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Exeter University and Care Homes Knowledge (ExCHANGE) Collaboration: An embedded realist evaluation of a model to support research co-production in long-term care settings
IRAS ID
283489
Contact name
Kath Wilkinson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Exeter
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 31 days
Research summary
The study will be a small-scale embedded formative evaluation of the ExCHANGE Collaboration. This will be theory-driven, and take a realist approach (Chen & Rossi 1989; Pawson & Tilley 1997). Feedback on insights gathered from both participants and project researchers will be shared with the research team by the Researcher as they are generated to assist in model development and delivery as the project progresses. The evaluation will gather information on how successful the Collaboration is perceived to be in achieving its aims, in what way, in which contexts, and how this may differ for those involved. An existing realist programme theory from the literature – Closer Collaboration - will be supplemented by two substantive theories: Coproduction and Knowledge Brokering. This will result in an initial programme theory which will be tested by this formative evaluation to refine understanding of how this collaboration works, for whom, under which circumstances, and in what way.\n\nThe evaluation will employ mixed qualitative methods, including observations of events/activities, interviews and analysis of documents such as feedback forms, Knowledge Broker journal, event attendance records, risks and issues logs and other relevant paperwork gathered as part of project delivery. Care home providers and staff, residents and family members and researchers who are involved in the project will be invited to take part in a short structured interview – this includes those involved in project design and delivery as well as those attending events or taking part in other project activities. \n\n
REC name
Social Care REC
REC reference
20/IEC08/0021
Date of REC Opinion
31 Jul 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion