During the COVID-19 (corona virus) pandemic the research arena has had to rapidly adapt and change in order to facilitate and deliver research. The UK (United Kingdom) government and Public Health England have stressed the importance of such research to find solutions to treating, preventing and stopping the spread of COVID-19. Due to national and international 'lock down restrictions' delivering research in care home settings has become even more challenging. The adaptations to conducting consultations have relied heavily on the use of technology, for example video calling, telephone, email, and teleconferencing. It is suggested that the use of technology in care home settings is already a barrier to effective research delivery.

Nevertheless, as care home residents are a vulnerable group, it is critical to include these groups in research in order to enable improved and evidence-based care and their access to new and emerging treatments.

This study aims to assess the opinions and experiences of key stakeholders to identify barriers, and enable better facilitation of research in these settings during and post pandemic.

This two phase project will use a mixed methodology.

Phase one will involve mixed methods surveys. One will be completed by care home residents and the other will be completed by research delivery staff and care home staff.

Phase two will involve qualitative interviews with each of these groups to enable better insight into their views and opinions on research in this area.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Any resident of a care home in the West Midlands
• Any relative/friend of a care home resident in the West Midlands
• Any staff member or volunteer working in care home in the West Midlands
• Any researcher undertaking research in a care home in the West Midlands (during the pandemic or proposed during the pandemic period)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals who are unable to give Informed Consent
• Individuals who lack capacity

Any staff member working/volunteering in a care home, research staff, residents of care homes, relatives of care home residents, all across the West Midlands are eligible to take part in this research project.