The ORACLE study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development, validation, and evaluation of a risk assessment tool for contractures: the ORACLE study
IRAS ID
318311
Contact name
Sam Porter
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Bournemouth University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Pending, Clinicaltrials.gov
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 3 days
Research summary
Contractures, usually defined as the reduction in the passive joint movement, are a debilitating consequence of prolonged immobility, eventually resulting in structural abnormalities within the affected joint, limiting functional use of the joint. Consequently, leading to physical impairments, decreased independence with everyday activities, and reduced social participation.
To our knowledge, there is no standardised risk predictor for contracture development or contracture progression in adults. The Observational Risk Assessment for Contractures- Longitudinal Evaluation (ORACLE) was originally developed by Dorset Health Care University NHS Foundation Trust (DHUFT) to address this gap.
To establish the academic validation of the tool, DHUFT sponsored a match-funded PhD Studentship with Bournemouth University (BU). This PhD research project aims to further develop, validate, and evaluate the tool through the available evidence, expert opinion, and testing it on a target sample population.
This project has been structured into two phases:
In the first phase, the content (items) of the tool was evaluated through the analysis of the available literature and expert opinion. This was achieved through a systematic review of the literature (published) followed by a two-round online survey with 30 field experts (Delphi Survey) which was conducted after getting favourable opinion and approval from the BU ethics panel. The experts in the survey rated the items of the tool on an importance scale and those which gained consensus (70% agreement) were used to redesign and modify the tool.
The current study (Phase II) consists of two streams of work: Stream A: aims to establish the validity and reliability of the newly modified tool by testing it on a sample of adults (aged 18 and above) in private/independent care homes located in Dorset. In Stream B, the acceptability and usability of the tool among the care home staff will be explored. The results from these two streams of work will then inform further revisions of the tool if required.REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/LO/0818
Date of REC Opinion
18 Jan 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion