Understanding the phenomena of ‘confidence’ in frail older people
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding the phenomena of ‘confidence’ in frail older people and implications for practice
IRAS ID
182665
Contact name
Frazer Underwood
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHST
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 28 days
Research summary
Frailty is a growing factor in older people’s lives. The impact for older people and wider society is concentrating the minds of policy makers to better understand the health and well-being impact for these individuals and associated implications for healthcare services.
This research study’s aim to explore the notion of ‘confidence’ in relation to older people living with frailty and develop a tangible understanding to influence future healthcare practice.
Little descriptive research is published about the lived understanding and meaning of ‘confidence’ from older people living with frailty. It is hoped this research will create a practical understanding to support the maintenance and growth of ‘confidence’ and to enhance physical and mental well-being of older people with frailty.
The study will be formed of two phases: the first a phenomenological research study (a series of interviews to explore the personal lived experience of what ‘confidence’ means) with older people who have frailty; with their carers; and with healthcare staff supporting them. Patient and carer participants will be recruited during an acute hospital or intermediate care service admission. Interviews will be conducted after discharge from the service following consent. Healthcare staff will be recruited for the services supporting these patients. All participants will be selected on the basis that they can contribute to informing the full understanding of ‘confidence’ within this of older people living with frailty. Interviews will be analysed to create a ‘construct of confidence’ – a tangible and practical understanding.
The second phase of this research study will evaluate the findings back with the participants that helped create them. Validation of this new understanding will be developed through the research revisiting participants through questionnaire, focus group or individual interview, dependent on the best way to maximise participation, to confirm the findings are an accurate representation of their experience.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/YH/0363
Date of REC Opinion
5 Sep 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion