Healthcare professionals and researchers collaborating in a modern care home.

Unlocking Better Care: How to Tackle Research Challenges in Care Homes

Kai Mendoza in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover the keys to successful data collection and improved studies in care home settings, ensuring better outcomes for residents and staff."

The Falls in Care Home (FinCH) study, a large-scale randomized controlled trial involving 87 care homes and over 1600 residents across 10 UK sites, aimed to improve care and reduce falls. Building on a successful feasibility study, the FinCH project collected extensive data on falls, medications, equipment usage, and interactions with primary and community care services.

However, gathering this data in care homes presented unique challenges. These environments, often new to research, required careful navigation and innovative approaches to data collection. This study delves into the specific hurdles encountered and the strategies employed to overcome them.

By understanding these challenges and facilitators, future research in care homes can be more effectively designed and implemented, ultimately leading to better outcomes for residents and staff.

What Makes Research in Care Homes So Challenging?

Healthcare professionals and researchers collaborating in a modern care home.

One of the most significant barriers identified was a lack of buy-in from working-level staff. Often feeling overworked and burdened by the study's demands, staff members sometimes viewed research activities as an added pressure rather than a collaborative effort. This was further compounded by conflicting priorities, such as the implementation of new schemes like the 'red bag' initiative, designed to streamline emergency care.

Communication issues also played a significant role. Suspicion regarding the study's intentions and a lack of understanding about its non-judgmental nature created barriers. Many care home staff reported not receiving adequate training in research methods, which left them feeling unprepared and undervalued.

Lack of Staff Buy-In: Overworked staff often view research as an added burden.
Communication Gaps: Suspicion and misunderstanding about study intentions.
Insufficient Training: Lack of research method training among care home staff.
Understanding Randomization and Blinding: Confusion about key research concepts.
Unrealistic Expectations: Perceived unrealistic timelines set by clinical trials units.

Furthermore, misunderstandings surrounding key research concepts like randomization and blinding led to unintentional un-blinding of researchers. The perception that Clinical Trials Units set unrealistic expectations for data collection timelines added another layer of complexity. For example, arrangements to visit care homes were made to be within two weeks of data collection time point deadlines.

Building Bridges: Practical Steps for Better Research

The FinCH study underscores critical challenges in conducting research within care homes. While some obstacles, like last-minute cancellations due to staff or resident illness, are unavoidable, many can be mitigated through proactive measures. Implementing a robust communication plan and providing comprehensive research training for care home staff are essential. Fostering a professional and supportive relationship between researchers and care home staff is paramount to the success of future studies, ultimately enhancing the quality of care and outcomes for residents.

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Everything You Need To Know

What were the primary challenges faced during the FinCH study within care homes?

The FinCH study encountered several significant challenges. A major hurdle was the lack of buy-in from working-level staff, who often felt overworked and saw the research as an added burden. Communication gaps, including suspicion about the study's intentions, also created barriers. Furthermore, misunderstandings regarding research concepts like randomization and blinding, and the perception of unrealistic timelines set by Clinical Trials Units, complicated data collection efforts. These issues collectively impacted the smooth execution of the study.

How did communication issues impact the FinCH study, and what were the consequences?

Communication played a crucial role in the challenges faced during the FinCH study. Suspicion regarding the study's intentions and a lack of understanding about its non-judgmental nature created barriers. Many care home staff reported not receiving adequate training in research methods, which left them feeling unprepared and undervalued. These communication gaps led to misunderstandings, potentially affecting data accuracy and the willingness of staff to fully participate, ultimately impacting the study's effectiveness and the quality of care.

What specific steps were identified to improve research in care homes based on the FinCH study?

Based on the findings of the FinCH study, several practical steps were identified to improve research in care homes. Implementing a robust communication plan is essential to address misunderstandings and build trust. Providing comprehensive research training for care home staff is crucial to equip them with the necessary skills and understanding. Moreover, fostering a professional and supportive relationship between researchers and care home staff is paramount to the success of future studies. Addressing these issues can significantly enhance the quality of care and outcomes for residents.

What is the importance of staff buy-in for a successful research project in care homes, as highlighted by the FinCH study?

Staff buy-in is critically important for research success in care homes, as demonstrated by the FinCH study. When staff members, already burdened with their duties, view research as an added pressure, it creates resistance and can negatively affect data collection. This lack of enthusiasm can also lead to lower participation rates and potential data quality issues. Building a collaborative environment through clear communication, training, and supportive relationships is crucial to gain staff buy-in, ensuring the research project progresses smoothly and achieves its objectives.

Can you explain the role of 'randomization' and 'blinding' in the context of the FinCH study, and why misunderstandings about these concepts were problematic?

In the context of the FinCH study, randomization refers to the process of assigning residents to different intervention groups randomly. Blinding means that either the participants, the researchers, or both, are unaware of which group receives which intervention. Misunderstandings about these key research concepts led to unintentional un-blinding of researchers, potentially skewing the results. These misunderstandings were problematic because they could introduce bias, compromise the integrity of the study, and ultimately affect the reliability of the findings regarding the effectiveness of interventions designed to improve care and reduce falls. It highlights the necessity of thorough training to ensure all participants understand and adhere to research protocols.