Motivating and constraining factors for research participation in Scottish care homes

Abstract

Background/aims: Knowledge and research about research participation in the context of care homes is sparse. This article describes the level of research engagement for care homes in Scotland, and the facilitators and barriers to this. Methods: A short survey was distributed to care homes in Scotland. A total of 130 care homes returned completed surveys. Results: As of 2014, only 7' of care homes had past or present experience of research. Lack of time and workplace pressures were key obstacles to increasing research within care homes. Respondents recognised that residents could benefit from research but there were also concerns about the risks of research involvement. Conclusions: The survey provides much needed evidence that care homes are being overlooked in research, leading to exclusion of staff and residents. More work is needed to help integrate research into care homes without adding to the demands and pressures of the workplace.