Longitudinal study success: NICOLA

Longitudinal study success: NICOLA

The Primary Care Research team is transforming how health research connects with people across communities by taking research out of clinics and into participants’ homes. Our agile nursing team have exceeded targets by completing 24 home health assessments for the Northern Ireland Cohort of the Longitudinal Study of Ageing (NICOLA), helping to bring vital research directly into communities. By meeting people where they live, our nurses have provided an opportunity to engage with individuals who may otherwise have been excluded from traditional research settings, including those with mobility challenges, caring responsibilities, or limited access to healthcare facilities.

Travelling across Northern Ireland, Marian and Kirsten delivered assessments in participants’ own homes, overcoming traditional barriers to research access by adapting to individual needs. Despite the challenge of transporting a wide range of specialist equipment, they ensured every visit was completed to a high clinical standard.

Delivering the study successfully required close liaison with the entire research team. From coordination and scheduling to data handling and follow-up, collaboration was essential to ensure the research ran smoothly and to the highest standards. This team-based approach ensured that participants experienced a seamless process, reinforcing confidence in the study and those delivering it.

Their work not only supported the study’s progress but also strengthened connections with participants. Many shared personal stories and experiences, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to remain involved in research. In one memorable moment, a participant even gifted home-grown potatoes from their farm, highlighting the trust and relationships built along the way.

This approach demonstrates that impactful clinical research doesn’t have to be confined to hospital settings. By meeting people where they are, the nursing team is helping to make research more inclusive, accessible, and participant-focused.

For the research nurses involved, the impact of this work has been equally profound. As one research nurse noted, the role offers a unique opportunity to see first-hand the difference research can make in people’s lives. Supporting participants in their own homes, listening to their experiences, and contributing to knowledge that will shape future care has been both motivating and rewarding.

The NICOLA study demonstrates how inclusive, people-centred research can succeed. By prioritising relationships, accessibility, and teamwork, it is not only generating valuable data but also ensuring that research truly reflects the lives and voices of the people it aims to benefit.