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New film set to spark conversations on involvement and improvement in care home research
17th July 2023
ENRICH Scotland (ENabling Research In Care Homes) is proud to present its new short film about research in care homes, bringing to life its mission to unify care home staff, residents, and their families with researchers to improve lives
The film was designed and developed by ENRICH’s ‘patient and public involvement group’ known as RICH (Research in Care Homes) Voices.
ENRICH Scotland knows that research can seem a daunting topic, and that there are a lot of misconceptions about what it is like to live and work in care homes. Therefore, ENRICH Scotland hopes that the short film will spark conversations about getting involved and ultimately improving the way it enables research.
Dr Emma Law, Co-chair of ENRICH Scotland said: “We are very grateful to the residents and staff of Raith Manor care home who brought our film idea to life. We would also like to thank Kirsty Hynes, our NHS Grampian ENRICH colleague, as well as Lesley Cousland our NHS Tayside colleague for helping to demonstrate what research can look like. We also wish to acknowledge the Wellcome Institutional Strategic Support Fund (ISSF) and the Advanced Care Research Centre (ACRC) who supported the production of our video and FoSho Studios who created it. We wanted to show that there is a wide range in the types of research that care homes may be offered, including:
- Clinical trial research such as a new or different medication
- Social research including the benefits of exercise on quality of life
“In addition to the above, we wanted to showcase the impact of research on the staff and residents in care homes. RICH Voices members have shared on several occasions how research involvement has improved their cognitive, psychological and social wellbeing.”
ENRICH Scotland also asked its contributors to reflect on their recent experience taking part in the video.
“My experience of making the film was very positive one. I was nervous about being on camera and having to remember my lines, so was relieved to find that there was a teleprompt there! The camera crew were very good at helping everyone feel at ease, and the staff and residents all made us feel very welcome. It was lovely to be able to spend a bit of time chatting with them, as well as catching up with some of the ENRICH team. It is incredible to see the film as a finished product as I had no idea how it would all be put together.” Kirsty Hynes, ENRICH Clinical Studies Officer, NHS Grampian
“It was a fantastic sunny day. We felt so welcomed by care home staff. Some of them were nervous to be filmed but their passion for their jobs and the ‘care home family’ came through strongly. It was lovely to chat to the residents (those who were being filmed and others in the dining room) and enjoy the homely atmosphere. It felt like we were part of a ‘normal day’,including a visit by nursery children, and everyone was happy to tell us what they thought.” Dr Susan Shenkin, Co-chair ENRICH Scotland
“It was a great opportunity to showcase the relationships which have developed between ourselves and the team at ENRICH. Everyone had such fun on the day taking part, feeling included, and being involved. It absolutely reflected the integrity of ENRICH as an organisation and their ability to integrate into services with ease.” Alyson Vale, Abbotsford Care Home Business Director
ENRICH Scotland has colleagues across Scotland ready to support local care homes. Care homes that are interested in being more research active can sign up to ENRICH Scotland and work with their local Clinical Studies Officer, to become a ‘research ready care home’. Its work is also supported by the Care Inspectorate.
Your local contact will be able to let you know what research is available to take part in, as well as more about being involved in research-related activities with RICH Voices.
Other ENRICH Scotland activities include creating a 4-episode podcast series looking at research in care homes, the benefits, and the challenges, and what we want to see from the future. Episodes will be released over the next few months. RICH Voices members also support researchers in the design and development of research ideas to make sure that the research fits the needs and preferences of care homes as much as possible.
Dr Rosie Ashworth, RICH Voices Lead added: “Those living or working in care homes, as well as family members, friends, and the public are always welcome to join us!”
