After completing my undergraduate degree, I worked as a therapy assistant for three years in an NHS rehabilitation hospital for older people. I wanted to combine my experience of working with older people with my interest in research and therefore applied for the Research Trainee role to gain a better understanding of what a career in social care research might look like. Since starting the role, I have had the opportunity to develop my skills, work on several different projects with a range of researchers and even study for a masters degree.
During the first year of my training, I assisted on two research projects with guidance from more senior researchers within the team. The first project was an NIHR, Three Schools’ Dementia Programme funded project. The aim of this project was to create a new section, specifically for people living with dementia and their families, on the online support resource, SocialCareTalk. Working on this project allowed me to access training and develop the skills to conduct interviews, carry out data collection and analysis. I was able to use my experience of working with NHS patients living with dementia, to confidently attend dementia support groups, assess the capacity of potential interview participants and communicate effectively.
The second project I worked on was to help develop and evaluate Care Confidence, a new online decision support aid for older people who have to pay for their own social care. I have continued to work on this project for two years, even initiating the use of the website within a local authority setting.
Since starting my role, I have already experienced a range of different projects, working closely with local authorities to try and promote and facilitate more research-based practice. As part of my training, I have also been studying, part-time, for my masters degree in Health Research. For my dissertation, I am conducting a pilot study using Care Confidence and evaluating how it is being implemented into a local council’s services.
Alannah’s research interests include:
Occupational therapy..
My primary interest is in research that impacts older people more broadly.
Mixed methods approach to research and due to my background in rehabilitation.
