The effects of helping and supporting an adult who experienced harm in the NHS and/or social care
This study is gathering stories from family members and friends who support someone who has experienced harm within the NHS or social care. It aims to understand how these experiences affect carers' health and wellbeing, what challenges they face, and what support they might need. Often, carers play a crucial role in helping their loved ones after something has gone wrong, and this study wants to highlight their perspective. The information collected will help create better support for carers and improve how these situations are handled in the future. If you've been in this situation within the last five years and live in England, the researchers would like to hear from you.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When a family member or close friend you care for experiences harm within the NHS or social care system, it can be a really difficult and upsetting time, not just for the person who was harmed but also for you as their carer. You might find yourself having to do more or different things to support them, and it can take a toll on your own health and wellbeing.
This study wants to hear directly from carers like you. The researchers want to understand what it's like to navigate these challenging situations, how it affects you, and what kind of support you need. They also want to learn about the ways you help your loved one, such as making complaints or seeking legal advice, especially if your loved one can't speak for themselves.
Currently, not much is known about the experiences of carers in these circumstances. By collecting detailed stories, this study hopes to fill that gap. The findings will be used to make suggestions for new policies and practices, aiming to improve the experiences of carers and ensure they get the support they need when something goes wrong.
Key takeaways
- Study focuses on carers' experiences after a loved one is harmed in NHS/social care.
- Aims to understand impact on carers and their support needs.
- Participating involves a one-to-one interview to share your story.
- Findings will help create better support for carers in the future.
- Harm must have happened in England within the last 5 years.
- You can withdraw from the study at any time.
Who may be eligible?
The study is looking for adults aged 18 or over who live in England. You should be someone who provides care and support to a family member or close friend.
Your loved one must have experienced some form of harm within the NHS or adult social care in England. This harm needs to have happened within the last five years. It's important that the harm did not happen in a private healthcare setting outside of the NHS.
You also need to be able to take part in an interview. The researchers can make reasonable adjustments to help you, for example, with language support or if you have a disability.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or over?
- Do you provide care or support for a family member or close friend?
- Did your loved one experience harm in the NHS or adult social care in England?
- Did this harm happen within the last 5 years?
- Are you able to take part in an interview (with possible support)?
- Do you currently live in England?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you will be asked to have a one-to-one interview with one of the researchers. This interview will give you a chance to share your experiences and feelings. The researchers will listen carefully to understand what happened, how it affected you, and what kind of help was useful or might have been useful.
The interview will be audio-recorded, and the researchers will then carefully study what was said. The information you provide will help them understand the real-life experiences of carers and develop suggestions to improve support for others in the future. The total duration for taking part would typically be just the time spent in the interview.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- No specific participating centre (participants are recruited across England)City only-, England
Common questions
What kind of \"harm\" are you talking about?
Harm means any physical or mental problem or injury that your loved one experienced because of their care in the NHS or social care.
Do I have to talk about my loved one's specific medical details?
You don't have to share anything you're uncomfortable with. The focus is on your experiences as a carer and how the situation affected you.
What happens to the information I provide?
Your interview will be analysed to understand common themes and experiences. Your personal details will be kept confidential, and the information will be used to make general recommendations to improve support for carers.
Can I bring someone with me to the interview?
Please discuss this with the researchers when you are contacted. They will be able to advise on arrangements for your comfort and support.
Will taking part affect my loved one's care or any ongoing complaint?
No, taking part in this study will not affect your loved one's current or future care, nor will it affect any complaint you may have made.
How to find out more
Michele Peters
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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