What influences the use of research by the adult social care workforce?

Sumpter, Linda; Willis, Paul; Cameron, Ailsa; Dibsdall, Lisa; Gray, Karen; Jones, Mat; McLeod, Hugh; Symonds, Jon; Cabral, Christie; Macdonald, Geraldine

Abstract

Despite a recognition that research evidence plays a critical role in informing decisions in adult social care, there has been little investment in developing the sector’s own capacity to engage with it. This article reports on a qualitative study of the adult social care workforce (social workers, occupational therapists, managers and commissioners) in three local authorities in England. Data were collected through twenty-five semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders and analysed iteratively using thematic analysis. The interviews explored participants’ understanding and use of research in adult social care. Four key influences on research use were identified: time; accessibility; skills and confidence; and organisational support. Finding time was the most frequently cited barrier. This was exacerbated by the difficulties participants described in finding research that was trusted and relevant. Protected time was regarded as essential, and both organisations and individuals had a role in ensuring that time was available to engage with research. Participants identified skills gaps, including how to read, critically appraise and apply evidence from research. The findings confirm an appetite within the workforce for developing the skills and confidence to make more use of research but suggest that achieving this requires organisational support and access to resources.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 12, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Sep 23, 2024
• Deposit Date: Oct 22, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 22, 2024
• Journal: The British Journal of Social Work
• Print ISSN: 0045-3102
• Electronic ISSN: 1468-263X
• Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcae152
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/13306787