Investigation into Self Directed Support (SDS) in a Rural Community
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigation into Self Directed Support (SDS) in a Rural Community
IRAS ID
255866
Contact name
Jane MacLenachan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Stirling
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 22 days
Research summary
The purpose of this research is to consider whether living in a community defined as remote/rural, adds another dimension to the experiences of those wishing to access Self Directed Support in the Highlands. Under the Social Care (Self Directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013 a duty is placed on Local Authority and NHS social work departments to offer people; eligible for social care, a range of choices over how they receive their support. The Scottish Government have outlined their belief that everyone should be in control of their life and have the ability to make informed choices about what their support looks like, however, this is not always possible, especially in communities defined as rural/remote. There is a current lack of research that acknowledges how the rural nature of the Highlands impacts on a providers ability to deliver personalised support to individuals living in these areas.
The research will aim to gather evidence from the perspectives of service users living in a rural/remote community in the Highlands, NHS Highland staff involved in delivering Self Directed Support as an option for care, and members of the Community Council based in the area identified for research. Interviews will be undertaken with 10 participants; 5 from the service user group, and 5 from the NHS Highland staff group, a focus group will also be undertaken with 4 members of the community council. Information will be gathered as a method of understanding the experiences, perceptions and circumstances of those attempting to implement and use Self Directed Support. Each interview is not expected to take longer than one hour, with the focus group to be completed within 2 hours. The research is expected to be completed for April admission to the University of Stirling.REC name
South Central - Berkshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/SC/0117
Date of REC Opinion
5 Apr 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion