Foot care in care homes v1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Optimising footcare interventions for older adults living in care homes (OPINIONS)
IRAS ID
358366
Contact name
Stewart C Morrison
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 7 days
Research summary
Around 430,000 older adults live in care homes in England, and many are living with long-term health conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Foot problems are also very common and affect one in four. Care home staff have an important role in the early detection and prevention of foot problems but have no training in footcare. The aim of this study is to: (1) describe current knowledge and practices related to foot care in care homes; (2) understand perceptions of foot care knowledge and practices. This work will help to establish how we can support care staff to develop new knowledge in foot care. This project will involve two linked studies. For the first study, we are conducting an England-wide electronic survey, and this will involve recruiting care staff working in care homes, managers of care homes, and staff in regular contact with care home residents. Our second study will involve interviews with care home staff (carers, care home managers and health professionals) and care home residents and/or family members. Data collection for the first study will involve completion of an online survey. The second study will involve interviews, which will be conducted online and/or in the care home. The study will last for 18 months. For the survey, care home staff will participate via an electronic device (such on a laptop or smartphone). Our interview study will involve one-to-one interviews, and these will be conducted in person, or online. The study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) [Programme Development Grant (NIHR502941)]. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.
REC name
Social Care REC
REC reference
26/IEC08/0010
Date of REC Opinion
29 May 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion