Pain Management for People Living with Dementia in Extra Care Housing

There is plenty of research and a large body of evidence that shows that, for older people living with dementia, pain assessment and management is suboptimal as compared to other older people with similar health conditions in hospitals, residential care, nursing care and in their own homes, but there is no evidence relating to people living with dementia in Extra Care Housing (ECH).

If pain management is addressed in the right way in ECH then these residents are less likely to engage in activities and social interaction. Furthermore, the fact that ECH provides independent living may make pain assessment and management for residents living with dementia who require support with pain management more challenging and complicated.

This PhD project will build on a pilot survey, conducted in 2022, of Extra Care Housing schemes and care homes that found that pain support for people living with dementia in both settings is suboptimal, with a significant number of those dependent upon staff for pain management continuing to show or express pain.

High numbers of Extra Care Housing staff lacked in skills and confidence to support people living with dementia experiencing pain and there was little use of guidance or pain assessment tools.

Suboptimal pain support for those living with dementia is not acceptable and all staff who are responsible for supporting the needs of a person with dementia need to be skilled within this area.

PhD Project Aims and Objectives

The main aim of this project is to compare pain assessment and management for residents living with dementia, who require support with pain management, with other residents (not living with dementia) in ECH. The objectives are to determine whether residents living with dementia in ECH settings are receiving suboptimal pain management compared to other residents with similar health conditions and compared to those living in care homes, the causes and impacts of this, staff needs and the challenges, successes and good practices.

Indicative Research Method

The successful PhD candidate will be responsible for formulating the detail of this project. However, it is anticipated that the study will adopt a qualitative approach involving selecting a small sample of extra care housing schemes and care homes as case studies sites, using interviews to understand pain assessment and management for residents living with dementia in more depth than was possible with the survey.

Application Process

To begin the application process please go to: https://www.worc.ac.uk/courses/dementia-studies-mphilphd and click on ‘How to Apply’ in the top menu. This PhD could be carried out on a part time or full-time basis so please select the relevant application link. On the application form, please make it clear that you are applying for one of our advertised projects so we can direct it straight to the relevant people.

The Interview

All successful applicants will be offered an interview with the proposed Supervisory Team. You will be contacted by a member of the Doctoral School Team to find a suitable date. Interviews can be conducted in person or over Microsoft Teams.

Funding your PhD

For more information about Doctoral Loans please visit: https://www.worc.ac.uk/study/fees-and-finance/doctoral-loans.aspx

During your PhD you can access the Research Student Support Scheme to support dissemination costs associated with your research, up to £500 a year.

Association for Dementia Studies

The Association for Dementia Studies (ADS) was established in 2009. Our multi-professional team are experts in the field of person-centred dementia care and support. Through research, education, consultancy and scholarship, we make a cutting-edge contribution to building evidence-based practical ways of working with people living with dementia and their families that enables them to live well. We have an outstanding track record over a wide portfolio of dementia-related research. We draw on the international evidence-base to deliver education programmes, resources and publications that empower staff to provide skilled, competent and compassionate care. People with dementia, their families and their carers inform our work at all stages.

Widening Participation

As part of its mission statement the University is committed to widening participation for its higher degrees. Although most candidates will have an undergraduate and / or a Masters degree, the University is happy to accept applications from candidates with relevant professional qualifications and work related experience.

Supervisory team

Dr Julie Barrett, Dr Mary O’Malley

Director of Studies

Dr Julie Barrett, Association for Dementia Studies, School of Allied Health and Community, University of Worcester

Supervisors

Dr Mary O’Malley, Association for Dementia Studies, School of Allied Health and Community, University of Worcester

Research Group: Association for Dementia Studies

For further information or an informal discussion on this project, please contact Dr Julie Barrett (Director of Studies) via email at j.barrett@worc.ac.uk