Improving the Oral Health of Older People Initiative (IOHOPI) study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Improving the Oral Health of Older People Initiative (IOHOPI) study
IRAS ID
169804
Contact name
Alexis Zander
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Kent
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
Improving the oral health of older people in care homes through educating carers has the potential to improve residents’ quality of life. Oral health can deteriorate significantly as people age but many care home staff have very little or no training in oral care. Previous trials of oral health training for carers have failed to assess whether the training lead to actual changes in work practices or to improved quality of life for residents. In this study, we will evaluate the outcome of training through direct observation of carers actions and also residents’ self-perceived quality of life. This will be a group-randomised trial of all care homes in Folkestone, Kent. The intervention defines and benchmarks a set of oral health standards, which should be implemented in care homes across the country. Results will advocate for and assist in planning for such standards.
REC name
South Central - Berkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/SC/0234
Date of REC Opinion
5 Jun 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion