Maximising inclusivity in care home research: Lessons learned from the AFRI-c randomised controlled trial

Ethical and procedural requirements make research in care homes challenging. With people living longer globally, it is essential that older people are included in research, including within the care home setting. We conducted a randomised controlled trial (AFRI-c) in 91 care homes across England, aiming to make the study available to every eligible resident. Facilitators included flexible models for receiving consent; commitment from care home staff, residents and families; tailored and specific training for care home staff; and support from national research infrastructure to engage care homes in research. To facilitate inclusive care home research, we recommend consulting with care homes about their research priorities; continuing investment in national research infrastructure for care homes; using advance directives for research planning for care home residents; embedding research nurses in care home environments; and more guidance for researchers and ethics committees on applying legal frameworks regarding capacity to research settings.