On your marks, get set, pause: what care home teams should consider before partnering with a trial research group

Research has the potential to inform and enhance the care and experiences of people living and working in care homes. While there is a growing interest in research relevant for care homes, there is a need to ensure staff, residents and their families and friends are supported when considering taking part in research; particularly taking part in a type of research called a ‘trial’. Trials are one type of research study that can help guide decisions about the best treatment, care and support for both residents (and their families and friends) and care home staff. Whilst potentially important, trials are demanding for both care homes and trial research teams. Prior to agreeing to support a trial there are questions a care home manager, staff, residents and their families and friends can consider. These questions are outlined in this paper and will help a care home to determine the capacity, readiness and relationships in a home to support a trial. By taking the time to ‘pause’ and asking ‘are we ready’, care teams can support both care and science.