Policy: research and evaluation
The development and implementation of policy forms a large part of the work of any government. Research which informs policy-making in health and social care, and evaluates these policies, is a hallmark of SPRU’s work. Whilst many of our projects have policy implications, here we present work which is specifically commissioned or funded for this purpose.
Current / recently completed research
Developing a minimum dataset for homecare: The DACHA DOM studyMay 2022 - Sept 2023
This study is about helping to make sure that, in the future, we know and understand more about the population of people using homecare.
Developing guidance on providing psychoeducation after an autism diagnosis1 March 2021 - 31 June 2021
This is a short piece of work commissioned by NHS England arising directly from previous research we have done on specialist provision for autistic adults (the SHAPE project). This identified the importance of high quality, extended psychoeducation following a diagnosis of autism. In this new project we are working with expert groups to develop guidance on providing group-delivered, psychoeducation for autistic adults.
The Home Instead Research ProgrammeJanuary 2021 - December 2023
A three-year programme to stimulate new research and promote evidence-based practice in the field of home care.
Care Leavers' Transition into the Labour Market in EnglandMarch 2019 - August 2020
Using linked national datasets and interviews with stakeholders, this research explores factors and trajectories contributing to employability for care leavers.
Evaluation of Integrated Personal Commissioning (IPC)October 2016 - April 2019
The Department of Health has commissioned a summative evaluation of the Integrated Personal Commissioning (IPC) programme. The evaluation aims to identify key lessons about the effectiveness of IPC schemes.
Completed research
Home care for the elderly and disabled in foreign countriesJanuary 2010 - March 2011
The study aims to identify how European countries have reformed their home help and home care systems in order to achieve: High quality care which meets increasingly diversified and individualised needs, Effective and efficient services, Stronger user orientations in the provision of care, optimal balance of responsibility between formal and informal care, best way of attracting and retaining home care workers.
Reforms in long-term care policies in European Union countriesNovember 2009 - December 2010
The study aims to identify how European countries have reformed their home help and home care systems in order to achieve: High quality care which meets increasingly diversified and individualised needs, Effective and efficient services, Stronger user orientations in the provision of care, optimal balance of responsibility between formal and informal care, best way of attracting and retaining home care workers.
Rethinking adult social care in England - lessons from other countriesJuly 2008 - October 2008
This project will contribute to the consultation process on the principles that should underpin the funding and delivery of care and support for adults and older people. The consultation will inform a Green Paper, to be published in early 2009. The project draws on existing published material on the funding and organisation of social care in other countries, ranging from Scotland and Wales to Australia, Germany, Japan and the Netherlands.