Promoting personhood in social care
This study aims to understand how people with learning disabilities feel seen and supported in social care. It's called "Promoting personhood in social care" and wants to find out what it truly means for someone to be treated as a unique person. The research will involve one-to-one chats with adults who have a learning disability, their carers, and social care staff. We'll listen to their experiences and feelings to spot areas where support could be improved. There will also be workshops where everyone works together to come up with ideas for better care. The main goal is to make social care more personal and empowering for people with learning disabilities by hearing directly from those involved.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study really wants to understand what it means to be treated as a valued person when you receive social care, especially for people with learning disabilities. Sometimes, even though everyone is a human being, people with disabilities might not always feel fully recognised or respected for who they are. This research aims to explore this idea of 'personhood' – how people with learning disabilities experience it, and how the staff who support them understand it.
The researchers will talk to people with learning disabilities, their family carers, and social care staff to hear their stories and understand their experiences. They want to find out what's working well and where things could be better. The goal isn't just to talk, but to actively work together. This is called 'experience-based co-design,' which means everyone involved helps to design improvements based on real-life experiences.
By gathering these stories and working in workshops, the study hopes to create real, positive changes in social care. It's about making sure that the support provided truly helps people with learning disabilities feel respected, understood, and valued for who they are as individuals.
Key takeaways
- Share your experiences to improve social care for people with learning disabilities.
- Your voice can help shape how support is provided.
- Workshops will involve working together to design better care.
- The study aims to make social care more personal and respectful.
- Participation is expected to be a positive experience with support available.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or over. This study is specifically for people in certain areas of the Scottish Borders.
You can take part if you are an adult who has a learning disability and you attend a Local Citizen’s Panel or get support from the Local Area Co-ordinator service. You can also join if you are a carer or guardian for an adult with a learning disability in that area. Finally, social care staff who work in certain services in the Scottish Borders that support people with learning disabilities can also get involved.
There are a few reasons why someone might not be able to join. You can't take part if you are under 18 years old, or if you aren't able to understand and agree to take part (this is called giving ‘informed consent’). Also, if you are currently receiving music therapy from the main researcher, you won't be able to join this study.
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 older?
- Do you have a learning disability and attend a Local Citizen's Panel or get support from a Local Area Co-ordinator in the Scottish Borders?
- Are you a carer or guardian for an adult with a learning disability in the Scottish Borders?
- Do you work as a social care staff member in certain services in the Scottish Borders supporting people with learning disabilities?
- Can you understand and agree to take part in the study?
What does participation involve?
If you choose to take part, you'll be invited to a one-to-one chat, which is like a relaxed conversation, to share your experiences and thoughts. This chat will last about an hour. You can bring someone with you for support if you like, although they won't be able to join in the conversation themselves.
After these chats, the researchers will put together a short film based on everyone's stories. You'll then be invited to workshops to discuss this film and talk about ideas for making social care better. There will be up to five workshops in total. In these workshops, everyone will work together to agree on changes and decide which improvements to try out. The study is expected to run from October 2024 to June 2026.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- NHS BordersCity onlyMelrose, United Kingdom
Common questions
What does 'personhood' mean in this study?
It means exploring how people with learning disabilities feel respected, valued, and recognised as unique individuals in their social care support.
How long will the one-to-one chat take?
The individual conversation will last about one hour.
Can I bring someone with me to the interview?
Yes, you can bring a friend, family member, or supporter with you, but they won't be able to join in the conversation itself.
What will happen with the stories shared?
The insights from the stories will be used to make a short film. This film will then be discussed in workshops to help improve social care.
Where is this study happening?
The study is taking place in the NHS Borders area of the UK.
How to find out more
Clare Gillespie
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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