Research and information
Primary and secondary research to inform decision-making and improve care and health
Care and health providers, commissioners, policy-makers and researchers need reliable evidence to inform tough decisions and support service improvement, efficiency and better outcomes for people using services and their carers.
SCIE’s research consultancy service provides that evidence.
It was great to work with SCIE to better understand local authority decision-making on early intervention. Their excellent contacts and collaborative approach helped us to appreciate what helps and hinders long-term planning as well as to generate practical recommendations for the way ahead.
Kate Mulley, Director of Policy and Campaigns, Action for Children
Research services
You can commission SCIE to deliver:
- small and large-scale research studies to explore the implementation of innovative practice in care and health. For example, we can research implementation of major policy initiatives such as the Care Act, integration of health and social care and the dementia strategy
- primary and secondary research, including surveys, interviews and desk research. Primary research is used when we need to collect new information and data. For instance, we may use surveys and/or interviews to evaluate a particular programme. Secondary research relies on using information and data that has already been collected, but that is relevant to a piece of work we are doing. For instance, we use demographic data to help profile local contexts, when conducting programme evaluations. Such data would include demographic data and other survey and management information sources and analysis
- systematic literature reviews looking at multiple sources including published and grey literature on specific topics. This approach involves a transparent, rigorous and replicable search of the evidence to answer a specific research question. It can also include a formal assessment of evidence quality
- rapid reviews to consider key sources of evidence in a limited time frame. This approach is often useful when reviewing emerging issues
- scoping studies to rapidly gather literature on a particular topic. This can form the first stage in a systematic literature review of research study – or we can provide you with the map of relevant sources.
- information management
- advice on research plans, for example, to help local care and health providers and commissioners to agree and develop a joint approach to research
- translation of research findings into practical implementation tools and resources (see our Digital services offer)
- dissemination of research findings across the care and health sectors (see our Communications support offer).
Our approach to research
Our in-house experts and associates conduct research, evaluation and information gathering on a consultancy basis. Our dedicated team of research analysts and information specialists have both subject matter and methodological expertise.
We pioneered a robust approach to social care research, using multiple sources, including the direct experiences of people who use and deliver services. And we have over 14 years’ experience in delivering and disseminating reliable, independent research findings.
We also work in partnership with other research agencies to complement our skills, knowledge and capacity.
Research clients
We provide research services to a wide range of clients including local authorities, care providers, national agencies, government departments, foundation trusts, research agencies and universities. Some of our research clients are outlined below.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
NICE/SCIE quick guides
SCIE and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have developed a series of quick guides together. Each guide covers key information based on NICE guidance that is relevant to a specific audience e.g. care home managers, practitioners or people who use services. A co-production group is involved in the development of each guide. Groups are made up of people with an interest in the topic, including professionals and people who use services and carers, so that we can ensure that the guides offer relevant advice and meet the needs of the sector. Titles include:
- Better home care for older people
- Building independence through planning for transition
- Child abuse and neglect
- Discussing and planning medicines support
- Helping to prevent infection
- Improving oral health for adults in care homes
- Intermediate care, including reablement
- Moving between hospital and home, including care homes
- Recognising and preventing delirium
- What to expect during assessment and care planning
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
NICE Collaborating Centre for Social Care 2013-2018
The NICE Collaborating Centre for Social Care consortium was led by SCIE to develop NICE social care guidance with people who use care, their families and friends, care providers and commissioners. Over the five year period of the contract, the NCCSC developed 11 social care guidelines and supported the implementation of both the guidelines and social care quality standards.
Crisis
Review of evidence of what works in homelessness services
SCIE was commissioned by Crisis to undertake a review of currently existing evidence on the effectiveness and costs of homelessness interventions and services. The review informed the Crisis plan to end homelessness.
Nesta
Developing ‘People powered health’ measures
SCIE, PPL, National Voices and Beautiful Information have been commissioned by Nesta to test out the feasibility of creating a suite of measures of People Powered Health. People Powered Health is about looking for better ways for people to be healthier and happier - by becoming more involved in, motivated and knowledgeable about their health and by using new digital tools that generate new data and knowledge. This initial scoping phase of the work will involve:
- Exploring the measures of person and community- centred health and care
- Scoping the feasibility for a new ‘People Powered Health’ scale, index or scorecard.
London Borough of Croydon
Review of special educational needs and disabilities service for 0-25 year olds
London Borough of Croydon commissioned SCIE and PPL to review its 0–25 Special Educational Needs and Disabilities service. In 2016, Croydon established the All Age Disability Service.
Welsh Government
Rapid evidence assessment and guidance development: autistic spectrum disorder (ASD)
In 2017, the Welsh Government commissioned SQW and SCIE to undertake a rapid evidence assessment (REA) into 'what works' in supporting learners affected by Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Department of Education
Coaching to innovation programme projects
The Department for Education has commissioned SCIE, Mutual Ventures and Innovation Unit to provide experienced, expert, flexible support and challenge to 45 Innovation Programme-funded projects that support vulnerable children and young people.
Macmillan Cancer Support
Evaluation of the local authority partnerships programme
Leading national cancer charity Macmillan Cancer Support commissioned SQW and SCIE to evaluate its Local Authority Partnerships (LAP) Programme. The Programme provides a vision for delivering integrated care and support.
NWG Network
Child sexual exploitation – evaluation support
The NWG Network provides specialist support, training and resources to professionals whose work involves tackling child sexual exploitation. The organisation commissioned SCIE to evaluate its performance and impact. SCIEs evaluation enabled the NWG Network to:
- Review performance and outcomes data
- Produce a baseline picture of performance
- Review existing evaluation and monitoring systems, such as the survey tools and feedback forms.
This is a crucial time for the NWG Network as we build our reach and impact. We are delighted to have SCIE helping us analyse our performance and assess our impact in the future.
Sheila Taylor MBE, Chief Executive, NWG Network.
Research partners
We complement our in-house expertise through partnerships with leading experts in social care policy, practice, research and economics including:
- Alzheimer’s Society
- Birmingham University
- EPPI-Centre at the Institute of Education
- KPMG
- London School of Economics
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
- NIHR School for Social Care Research
- NHS Institute
- NSPCC
- OPM
- PPL
- Research in Practice
- Research in Practice for Adults
Related SCIE services
Related SCIE resources
- Social Care Online – The UK’s largest database of information and research on all aspects of social care and social work.
- Research resources
- Knowledge reviews
- Research briefings