Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Transforming Care Experiences of Support Workers and Managers

This study is gathering information about the experiences of support workers and managers. These are the people who help individuals with learning disabilities transition from living in a hospital setting to living in a community setting, as part of a UK government plan called the Transforming Care Agenda. This plan was created to improve care for people with learning disabilities after serious problems were found in some hospitals. Researchers want to understand the challenges and successes faced by these support staff and managers, as their work is key to ensuring people with learning disabilities can live good lives in their communities. This research involves interviewing staff, not giving treatments, to learn from their valuable insights.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

King's College London

Enrolment target

Start

01 Aug 2024

Estimated completion

01 May 2025

Learning Disabilities Behavioural Problem

What is this study about?

This study aims to understand what it's like for support workers and managers who help people with learning disabilities move from hospital care to living in the community. This change is part of a special government plan called the 'Transforming Care Agenda'. This plan was started after serious concerns were raised about the care of people with learning disabilities in hospitals.

Moving from a hospital to a community setting can be a big change, and the support workers and managers play a really important role in making sure this move goes smoothly and that people can live happy and fulfilling lives. However, we don't know enough about their experiences, what challenges they face, or what works well.

By listening to these support workers and managers through interviews, researchers hope to learn important lessons. This information can then be used to improve the way we support people with learning disabilities in the future, making sure they get the best possible care when they move from hospital to their homes in the community.

Key takeaways

Learn about experiences of staff supporting people with learning disabilities.
Focuses on people moving from hospital to community care.
Only involves one interview, lasting up to an hour.
Your insights can help improve future care for others.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for support workers and managers who help people with learning disabilities.

To take part, you need to have worked with someone who has moved from a hospital setting to live in the community within the last three years. You also need to have supported that person for at least four months since they left the hospital. The study wants to speak to a small number of support workers and managers from specific areas in and around London.

This study is not for those who mainly work with people with autism or mental health difficulties without a learning disability, or if you've worked with the person for less than four months. Your age, gender, or other personal details won't affect if you can take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a support worker or manager for people with learning disabilities?
Have you helped someone with a learning disability move from hospital to community in the last 3 years?
Have you supported that person for at least 4 months since they left hospital?
Do you work in one of the specific research areas (e.g., South London, Hertfordshire, East London, North East London)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, your involvement will be quite simple. You'll be asked to have one interview, which will last for up to an hour. This interview will focus on your personal experiences of supporting someone with a learning disability making the move from hospital to community life. The interview can be done either face-to-face or using Microsoft Teams, depending on what's easiest. The study itself will run for about a year and a half, but your individual participation is just that one interview.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no medical risks involved in this study as it mainly involves talking about experiences. Some people find it helpful to reflect on their work, and your insights could directly help improve care for people with learning disabilities in the future. You are free to stop participating at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your job or future care in any way.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Kings College London
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is the 'Transforming Care Agenda'?

It's a UK government plan launched in 2012 to help people with learning disabilities move out of hospitals and into community living, making sure they get better care and support.

Will I have to take any medicine or treatments?

No, this study is about collecting people's experiences through interviews, not about testing medicines or treatments.

Who will see the information I share?

The research team will keep your information private. Your name won't be used, and what you say will be combined with others' answers to understand overall themes.

Do I need to be a doctor or nurse to take part?

No, the study is looking for support workers and managers who directly help people with learning disabilities.

How long will the interview be?

The interview will last for up to one hour.

How to find out more

Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.