Careology Podcast - Exploring Research in Social Care

Episode 7 - How the NIHR supports social care research - Research Programme for Social Care (RPSC)

Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re diving into the crucial role of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in supporting social care research. If you’ve ever wondered how evidence-based improvements in social care come about or how researchers get the funding and support they need, this episode is for you.

 

We’ll explore how NIHR helps bridge the gap between research and real-world practice, ensuring that the best possible evidence informs social care services. Whether you’re a researcher, a social care professional, or just curious about how these vital services evolve, you’ll get valuable insights into the funding, collaboration, and resources available.

 

Join us as we speak to Bethany, Lucy & Jenni,  Let’s get started!

 

	Senior Research Manager, NIHR Coordinating Centre
	VIVALDI Social Care Coordinator, The Outstanding Society
	Communication & Partnerships Lead, The Outstanding Society

 

If you are interested about finding out more about RPSC & NIHR here are some useful resources.

• RPSC email address: RPSC@nihr.ac.uk 
• RPSC Pre-submission form
• RPSC Logic Model (the logic model was created to visually represent RPSC, its intended outcomes, and the way in which it aims to bring these about).
• RPSC Research Webinar: 7th April 2025 10-12. This is the Eventbrite Link (which includes the Zoom joining instructions)
• RPSC and our work with Charity organisations and the RPSC charity eligibility summary document (attached as a word version).
• RPSC and our work with Local Authorities
• RPSC/NIHR Research Inclusion Strategy
• Opportunities/career development grants for Social Care practitioners who want to start out in research (NIHR Academy). We also have a Research Support Service (specialist social care centre) who help people wanting to get into research/help with all aspects of the application process etc.
• The NIHR Social Care Core Slide Deck was created to give an overview of all social care work/opportunities across all of NIHR. A summary of this document is the Social Care Leaflet.

• RPSC: Eligibility for Charities and third sector organisations - refer to the guidance document here

Episode 6 - Knowing How to Support Mouth Care and Health for Older People Living in Care Homes

In this episode, we explore the latest oral health research within the Social Care Sector, uncovering the challenges and innovations to improve oral care for individuals in care settings.

 

We hear from dentists, social care professionals, and researchers working to enhance oral health support for those in care homes, supported living, and community services.

 

With expert insights and real-world experiences, this episode highlights the urgent need to prioritise oral health in social care and explores how research drives positive change.

 

🎧 Tune in to learn more about the future of oral health in social care and how it can be improved for those who need it most.

 

Zoë's guests are:

	Professor of Dental Public Health University College London
	Consultant in Dental Health (Public health Wales) Bangor University
	Clinical Dentist - Consultant Restorative Dentistry Queen’s University Belfast
	Director of Research, Innovation and Community Engagement at Nightingale Hammerson & Co Chair of the Social Care Nursing Advisory Council (SCNAC) for London Region
	Communication & Partnerships Lead, The Outstanding Society

 

 

 

Improving the oral health of older people in care homes: a feasibility study (TOPIC) - Click here to find out more.

 

 

 

 

Episode 5 The value of sports rehab placements and allied health professional roles in social care

Join us in this episode as we explore the invaluable role of sports rehab placements in social care!

We'll dive into how these unique opportunities are helping to enhance recovery, improve well-being, and create meaningful careers in the sector.

Don't miss out on this insightful conversation!

 

Zoë's guests are:

 

Dr Melanie Stephens

Associate Professor (Reader) in Adult Nursing, Line Manager and NIHR Research Delivery Network North West Settings Lead (RSSL) for Residential

Rachel Hemmingway

Head of Therapies, Integrated Community Services Division, Bolton NHS Foundation Trust

Catherine Mistry MSc (Hons) MCSP PGCHE FHEA

Programme Lead in Sport Rehabilitation, University of Greater Manchester

Mehnoor Naseer 

3rd Year student, University of Greater Manchester

Rebecca Nolan

3rd Year student, University of Greater Manchester

 

Episode 4 - Brewing Better Care: The Benefits of Decaffeinated Drinks in Adult Social Care

Zoë and her guest explore the advantages of decaffeinated beverages in adult social care and Stow Healthcare's collaboration with universities and Care England.

	Continence Nurse Specialist, University Hospitals of Leicester
	Social Care Advisor, Care England
	Operations Director, Stow Healthcare
	Head of Care and Compliance, Stow Healthcare

 

Useful Links

https://stowhealthcare.co.uk/the-decaf-project/

 

https://stowhealthcare.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Decaffeination-and-Falls-Prevention_Final_Online.pdf

 

https://www.leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/aboutus/departments-services/continence-service/taste-the-difference-challenge/

 

https://www.careengland.org.uk/decaf/ 

 

https://www.careengland.org.uk/more-than-just-reducing-falls-how-decaf-by-default-improves-sleep-and-reduces-distress-in-care-home-settings/

 

Episode 3 Shaping the Future of Social Care: Innovation, Education, and Diversity

Welcome to our podcast, where we explore the evolving landscape of adult social care, education, and professional practice.

 

In this episode, we’ll dive into three key areas shaping the future of social care.

	Claire shares insights from her role as the RCN Foundation Chair in Adult Social Care, focusing on advancing professional practice and education across all four nations, underpinned by a strong evidence base.
	Melanie discusses her groundbreaking work on inter-professional education in care homes, revealing how her model goes beyond placement expansion to transform nursing and AHP collaboration.
	Vanessa highlights the critical importance of diversity in social care, challenging traditional perceptions and showcasing the breadth of settings, roles, and specialisms that extend far beyond nursing homes.

 

We’ll also reflect on our recent event in July, hosted in collaboration with Skills for Care. Stay with us as we unpack these vital conversations and explore how we can drive meaningful change in social care.

Episode 2 - VIVALDI Social Care

VIVALDI Social Care – Reducing Infections, Improving Lives

Join the VIVALDI Social Care Team as they share insights into this groundbreaking project dedicated to reducing infections and enhancing the quality of life in social care settings. Discover how you can play a role in driving positive change. Tune in and be part of the conversation shaping the future of social care.

 

To find out more visit : https://theoutstandingsociety.co.uk/vivaldi-social-care/

 

To register your interest to take part in this ground breaking research project click here

Episode 1 - Dr Zena Aldridge & Mike Slator

This is the first episode in a new series celebrating the Research in Social Care.

Leah Fullegar

In this episode, Zoë talks to Leah Fullegar - Research Associate, University of Portsmouth.

They discuss Incontinence & Careworker Empowerment: My Journey in Dementia Care & Research