Study Title
Responsibility for vitamin D supplementation of elderly care home residents in England: falling through the gap between medicine and food.
Principal Investigator
Joseph Williams, Carol Williams.
Affiliation
Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Brighton.
Start Date
April 2018.
End Date
August 2018.
Study Objective
To explore the factors contributing to the low uptake of vitamin D supplementation in elderly care home residents and to investigate perceived responsibility for vitamin D status in this population.
Short Abstract
This study investigated why elderly care home residents in England are not routinely receiving vitamin D supplements despite recommendations. Through interviews with care home managers, GPs, and public health professionals, the study identified barriers, such as the framing of vitamin D as a medical issue, low awareness of national guidance, and ethical and practical concerns. The findings suggest a need for policy revisions to promote vitamin D supplementation as both a public health and a medical responsibility.
Study Design
Semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, followed by inductive thematic analysis.
Population
Thirteen employees from different organisations involved in elderly care.
Sample Size
Thirteen interviews.
Inclusion Criteria
Professionals involved in the care of elderly residents in care homes, such as care home managers, GPs, and public health professionals.
Exclusion Criteria
Not specified.
Intervention/Exposure
Perceptions and practices around the provision of vitamin D supplementation in care homes.
Outcome Measures
- Perceived responsibility for vitamin D supplementation.
- Barriers to implementing public health recommendations for vitamin D.
Funding Source
Not specified.
Collaborating Institutions
Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Brighton.
Ethics Approval
Approved by the University of Brighton, School of Health Sciences Research Ethics and Governance Panel, February 2018.
Publication Status
Published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, October 2020.
Keywords
Vitamin D, care homes, elderly, public health, nutrition, England.
Data Collection Methods
Semi-structured interviews conducted over the phone, audio recorded, and transcribed verbatim.
Primary Data Availability
Data are stored in a private repository. Redacted data can be made available upon request.
Contact Information
Ms. Carol Williams,