Let’s Talk Research…on a hospital ward

Raising awareness and generating conversations about ageing research has been the focus of a service improvement project led by Dr Lucy Rimmer, NIHR Academic Clinical Fellow in Geriatrics and Internal Medicine Trainee doctor.

The aim of the project was to improve patients’ and relatives’ understanding of research involvement opportunities on a care of the elderly (COTE) hospital ward, through leaflets and by having conversations with staff.

We developed a selection of Let’s Talk Research resources including a poster, postcard and booklet, for use in both community and clinical settings. The aim was to give people of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to find out more about ageing research and the different ways that they can help make sure it’s relevant, useful, and beneficial to everyone. 

Image of Dr Lucy Rimmer (centre) with residents of Pilgrims Court in Jesmond.

The project was carried out on a COTE ward at Sunderland Royal Hospital and involved offering the Let’s Talk Research resources to patients and their relatives at discharge and conducting staff education sessions. This helped us reach the national targets of offering older adults the chance to talk about their experiences of their long-term health conditions. The project was successful in educating staff and patients on the importance of involving older adults in research.

Dr Rimmer said, “it was a great opportunity to challenge patients’ and colleagues’ ideas about who research is for, and to show how involvement in research can improve patient care for older adults – one of my colleagues was not even aware that there was research specifically for older adults until I started this project.”

Helen Atkinson, Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement Manager said: “Regardless of age or any health conditions all adults are welcome to join in with our research and there are many different ways for the public to contribute and make a difference”.

This is the first time the resources have been used in a clinical setting and we will use the learning from the project to make further improvements to the rollout process. For example, we will create a guide for the clinical team containing information about the resources and tips to help them start conversations about ageing research with their patients.

The Let’s Talk Research project was funded by a Tilly Hale Award from Newcastle University to the AGE Research Group. The Tilly Hale Awards provide seed funding to support innovative projects that strengthen public and patient involvement in research.

Last modified: Mon, 16 Dec 2024 11:02:03 GMT