The implementation of quality of life care plans in care homes
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluating the implementation of quality of life care plans in care homes for older adults. A pilot study using the Adult Social Care Outcomes Toolkit (ASCOT) and a ‘circle of care’ approach.
IRAS ID
296177
Contact name
Ann-Marie Towers
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Kent
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 3 days
Research summary
Over 400, 000 older adults live in care homes in England and depend on 24 hour care to meet their care needs and support their wellbeing. However, there is currently no systematic way of measuring or reporting care home residents’ quality of life.
The Adult Social Care Outcomes Toolkit (ASCOT) measures the care-related quality of life of people using social care and has been used internationally to inform evidence-based policy and practice. In Australia, it is also being used by some care providers to inform care plans focused on improving care home residents’ quality of life, using a ‘Circle of Care’ methodology. The ASCOT Circle of Care approach brings together the resident, their family member/informal carer, keyworker and care planning coordinator to set care planning goals.
We are working with Elizabeth Finn care homes, to adapt and pilot this approach in four homes (up to 120 residents) for older people in England. The study will address uncertainties about the acceptability and adherence to the care planning approach in England, as well as facilitators and barriers to implementation. In Stage 1, we will hold remote training courses for staff to support the implementation. In Stage 2 and 3 (6 months apart), staff will conduct the ASCOT quality of life care planning conversations using the Circle of Care approach. Effectiveness of the new approach will be measured through interviews with residents, family members, staff and senior managers, and through analysis of anonymised care records. The implementation process will be examined using interviews, surveys and observations. Findings will inform the development and design of a future full-scale intervention and its evaluation. The study will last 18 months.
REC name
Social Care REC
REC reference
21/IEC08/0021
Date of REC Opinion
2 Sep 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion