We’re proud to be part of the VIVALDI Social Care study aimed at reducing the impact of infections and outbreaks in care homes.
Infections such as flu, urine infections and diarrhoea are unfortunately common among people living in care homes and can often lead to severe illness requiring hospital treatment.
Outbreaks of infections like flu can spread quickly in communal settings, sometimes forcing care homes to temporarily close and limiting visits from loved ones.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought into focus the urgent need for better evidence and innovative approaches to protect those living and working in care homes from infection.
The VIVALDI Social Care study seeks to address that need by:
measuring the prevalence and impact of infections on residents
researching and testing new, effective ways to prevent infections
finding innovative methods to protect both residents and staff.
Through our involvement, we hope to play an active role in shaping a healthier, safer future for everyone in the care home community.
What data does the study use?
The VIVALDI Social Care study uses data about our service users, collected by the NHS, to measure the extent of infection and its consequences, and do research to find new, better ways to prevent infections and protect service users and colleagues.
The data includes:
hospital admissions
attendance at A&E
deaths
vaccinations
lab tests done in primary care or hospitals
antibiotics issued in the community by GPs.
How does consent work in this study?
From VIVALDI Social Care:
Research studies typically require participants' consent to collect their data. However, in some cases, it’s acceptable to collect data without consent where these three conditions apply.
The benefits of collecting the data must outweigh any potential harms.
It is not possible or feasible to obtain informed consent.
The individuals whose data are being used do not strongly object.
Our work with people in care homes and previous research experience during the pandemic show that it’s often not possible to get informed consent from most care home residents, as many have cognitive impairments and therefore cannot provide informed consent to participate.
To address this, the research team has obtained a Section 251 exemption under the NHS Act 2006, which allows us to use patients' medical information without their consent. The study has also received ethical approval from the Confidentiality Advisory Group.
Participants still have the right to opt out if they wish.
Explore over 50 care homes across England, supporting adults living with complex needs.
Join over 100 ICBs and local authorities in choosing Exemplar Health Care for complex care placements.
Discover rewarding careers in care with stable roles and plenty of opportunities to grow.
Contact our friendly team for assistance with referrals, job enquiries or any questions you have.