Charlotte Straker joins the AFRI-c Research Study

The Charlotte Straker Project is taking part in the prestigious AFRI-c study  funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research and being conducted by the Trials Department at the University of Bristol. The trial is also working in conjunction with the UK Health Security Agency, to research and develop understanding of the impact of air filters on respiratory infections (coughs, colds, flu and Covid19) in care home residents.

Respiratory infections can be spread when people breathe-in or swallow droplets containing germs which are produced when people cough or sneeze. Currently, infection control mainly relies on reducing the spread of germs by keeping floors and surfaces clean, washing hands, wearing gloves, and wearing face coverings. . It is believed that air filters can help remove germs from the air and their use is becoming more widespread in medical and care settings.

The research study will allocate care homes taking part in the AFRI-c study into one of two groups. One group will be provided with air filters to use as well as their usual infection measures (air filter group). The other group will carry on using their usual infection control measures (usual control care group). Scientists will then compare data collected about infections in each group to find out whether air filters prevent respiratory infections. As yet, we do not know if Charlotte Straker House will be allocated to the air filter or control care group. This process will be completed via anonymised and randomised computer programme.

Pam Crawley, our Registered Manager commented “This research study is very important, due to the seriousness of respiratory infections, including Covid-19, in the elderly, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to take part. As yet, we do not know if our care home is allocated to the air filter or control group, but the fact that our residents are able to take part in this vital study will be critical to gaining knowledge to inform best practice in future years. We will be liaising with all our residents and their relatives to gain their consent for the data to be collected and to explain the significance and future impact of the research.”