Health and social care research helps us learn about why we become ill and what we can do to stay well. It advances our knowledge so that we can find new treatments, change the way we deliver care, prevent illness and improve the environment, health and wellbeing of local populations.
We support research that benefits people who use our services and the communities we serve. We have studies for children and young people, dementia, substance misuse, eating disorders, learning disabilities and mental health.
A research team at the University College London want to test whether a new intervention (NIDUS-family) helps support people living with dementia to be independent at home. Participants will either receive the new intervention alongside usual care from their GP or memory service, or they will continue to only receive usual care from their GP or memory service; this is through a randomised process. The outcomes of participants from the two groups will then be compared to see if the intervention is successful.
We are looking for people who have been diagnosed with dementia who live in their own home and have three goal areas that you would like to work on for independence. It is also required that you have a caregiver/family or friend that will support you in achieving your goals.
If you and your relative/friend are allocated to receive the intervention, the researcher will meet with you virtually (via video call) up to 8 times over 6 months to support you and your relative/friend in meeting the goals you have set. They will work with you and the person who supports you to decide on three to five priority areas that you would like to work on over the next 6 months. This could include goals around daily activities, self-care, mood, safety, behaviour or mobility. They will use a manual that contains strategies, resources and exercises designed to be accessible and easy to use. At the end of the intervention, you will also be asked to rate whether you found the intervention acceptable or not and you will be given the opportunity to take part in an interview about your experiences of receiving the intervention. We will ask you if we can audio record the interview.
The research team will give you and your relative/friend, one £20 voucher for your time and involvement at the first appointment, 6-month and 12-month appointments (a total of £60). A further £20 voucher will be offered to participants who received the intervention and who take part in an additional interview. If you and your relative/friend are allocated to receive the intervention, the researcher will meet with you up to 8 times over 6 months to support you and your relative/friend
If you are interested in the study or would like to obtain further information please contact Ann Loughnane (Senior Clinical Research Coordinator) on 01932 722247 or email Ann.loughnane@sabp.nhs.uk
Alternatively, you can contact the Principle Investigator Prof Ramin Nilforooshan, (Associate Medical Director for R&D, Consultant Psychiatrist) on 01932 722444 or email: Ramin.Nilforooshan@sabp.nhs.uk
