During 2024, the WM-ADASS Research Champions completed a research study Barriers to engagement in research in Adult Social Care in collaboration with colleagues at University of Birmingham led by Dr Jason Schaub.
The study aims were to:
- identify the barriers and enablers for research mindedness to inform future interventions
- map the current engagement in research across the region
- map the understanding and use of research in adult social care in the West Midlands
The study involved:
- A stand-alone review of existing knowledge Research Mindedness in Adult Social Care: a Systematic Review
- a survey with adult social care staff
- a survey with people who use adult social care, including carers
- focus group discusions with adult social care staff and people who use adult social care, including carersÂ
The study report published in September 2024 is now available in our Resources section.
2022 survey Research capacity, capability and culture
In order to inform it's 2022 bid to NIHR for funding for its research programme, WM-ADASS undertook an initial baseline assessment, Research capacity, capability and culture in November 2021. All fourteen local authorities responded, with findings as follows:
- 11 (79%) local authorities promote practitioner access to knowledge and evidence materials via employer subscriptions, universities, libraries etc
- 7 (50%) local authorities offer training and development activity in relation to practitioners undertaking research and/or evidence informed practice
- 7 (50%) local authorities currently have practitioners undertaking study which involves research activity (e.g., BA/BSc, MA, PhD, Professional Doctorate)
- 4 (29%) local authorities have one or more research active practitioners/research roles or champions,
- 7 (50%) local authorities have structures or networks to enable teams and practitioners to discuss and engage with research related to practice, service developments or commissioning
- 11 (79%) local authorities have links or existing networks with universities or research bodies in support of research engagement7(50%) local authorities have mechanisms for reviewing research opportunities before getting involved or a research lead
- 11 (79%) local authorities have been involved in research activity in the past three to five years