As it stands there is very little research focused on understanding the experientially informed skills that care-workers use – those skills acquired on the job rather than as a result of formal training. This research aims to provide the first detailed picture of the key approaches adopted by care-workers that have a positive impact on the well-being of those they care for.
The project began in April 2021 and is taking place in a range of dementia-care settings in England. Researchers have been filming everyday activities, talking with staff and clients and taking part in activities in care-homes, day-care centres and community support groups. A key part of the research process involves asking care staff and other stakeholders who are taking part in the study to watch video-clips of themselves undertaking their caring roles so they can offer their perspectives on what they see as important. As one of the aims of the project is to ultimately develop training resources for care staff, this involvement is intended to ensure that the work remains focused, accessible and relevant to their real-life experiences of dementia care. The project is now almost halfway through, and a full set of findings and resources will be available towards the end of 2022.
For more information about the study please get in touch with John.Chatwin@mpft.nhs.uk or Katherine.Ludwin@mpft.nhs.uk