About
The project is a collaboration between NIHR Devices for Dignity MedTech Co-operative, the University of Sheffield, Ammba Digital and Optical Jukebox, and funded by Ufi VocTech Trust and NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre (BRC).
What is Neurocare KnowHow?
Neurocare KnowHow is a new online learning tool for care workers who support people with neurological conditions. These conditions can seem challenging, and specialist learning can be helpful for care workers.
It covers a range of conditions, such as Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neurone Disease and more. Because there are so many different conditions, the learning is grouped by common symptoms, such as communication, movement, nutrition and more.
Why is Neurocare KnowHow needed?
Supporting somebody with a neurological condition can be daunting. The symptoms can seem complex and difficult to manage. There are many different conditions and lots of them are quite rare.
The Neurological Alliance did a study looking at the care that people with neurological conditions received in the community. They found that paid carers can feel anxious delivering care to these people.
They recommended better training to build carer workers’ confidence and understanding. This is why we are making Neurocare KnowHow.
Who is Neurocare KnowHow for?
Neurocare KnowHow is aimed at paid care workers. This includes personal assistants, homecare visit staff and care home staff.
Neurocare KnowHow is aimed at paid care workers. This includes personal assistants, homecare visit staff and care home staff.
These care workers can find themselves looking after new people with neurological conditions. They may feel anxious or uncertain about what to do.
Some of the content will also be available for unpaid carers - the family and friends of people with neurological conditions. This can help them as they adapt to the diagnosis and the changes it brings.
What has been done already?
We ran a small pilot project in summer 2019. We worked with people with neurological conditions, a nursing home and care workers. This helped us to understand the problem better. The group told us what they wanted from a learning tool.
We made a pilot website with some simple content. This helped to prove we had a good idea.
We have now been awarded funding from Ufi VocTech Trust, a charity who support vocational learning projects. This will help us develop a bigger website by the Spring 2022.
Who is making Neurocare KnowHow?
We are a collaboration between:
- The University of Sheffield - Neuroscience researchers and clinicians
- NIHR Devices for Dignity MedTech Co-operative - NHS hosted organisation who specialise in developing technologies to support people living with long-term conditions
- The University of Sheffield - Neuroscience researchers and clinicians
- NIHR Devices for Dignity MedTech Co-operative - NHS hosted organisation who specialise in developing technologies to support people living with long-term conditions
- Ammba - Technology company who create learning tools
- Optical Jukebox - Filmmakers who specialise in health education
- Optical Jukebox - Filmmakers who specialise in health education
These learning tools helped support people living with Motor Neurone Disease to make decisions about support for their breathing and nutrition.