Occupational Therapy: Right Way, Right Place, Right Time.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A cross-sectional survey and embedded case study exploring whether, in the Welsh NHS, Occupational Therapy is delivered in the right way, in the right place and at the right time for older people who have dementia and their carers.
IRAS ID
164676
Contact name
Bethan Mair Edwards
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cwm Taf University Health Board
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 9 days
Research summary
In 2021 the number of people living with dementia in Wales will have increased by 31%, with prevalence increasing up to 44% in rural areas with higher than the national average number of elderly residents (WG 2011). In response to the challenges ahead, the Welsh Government’s National Dementia Vision for Wales (2011) and Action Plan (2009) outline a series of objectives and actions for implementation in Wales. Key to this agenda is Wales’ ‘…informed, well trained and effective workforce…’ (WG 2009 p10).
Despite Occupational Therapy’s instrumental role in promoting, maintaining and maximising the independence and wellbeing of people who have dementia and carers (NICE 2006), the practices of Occupational Therapists working with older people who have dementia and carers in Wales has not previously been investigated.
This study seeks to address this gap in the knowledge base in light of the Welsh Government's Dementia Vision and Action Plan. The study’s primary aim will be to explore whether Occupational Therapy is being delivered in the right way, in the right place and at the right time for older people who have dementia and carers using the Welsh NHS.
To achieve this, a questionnaire will be distributed to Occupational Therapists who work with older people who have dementia and carers in all 7 Welsh Health Boards. Following this, one Health Board in Wales will be used as an in-depth case study to explore the research topic in further detail. This will involve carrying out in-depth interviews and focus groups with older people who have dementia, carers and Occupational Therapists.
REC name
Wales REC 3
REC reference
15/WA/0083
Date of REC Opinion
16 Mar 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion