I am a nurse researcher and Clinical Frailty Lead Nurse at Oxford University Hospitals. I am developing a research fellowship about how nurses make decisions when caring for older people living with frailty through virtual wards and Hospital at Home services.
I would like to involve patients, family carers and members of the public in shaping the research before I submit the funding application. I would particularly value your views on whether the research questions are important, whether the proposed approach is acceptable and understandable, and what matters most to patients and carers when decisions are made remotely. The project will also explore whether digital or AI-based decision-support tools could have a useful role in supporting nurses. The aim is not to replace professional judgement, but to understand when technology may or may not add value while keeping care safe and person-centred. No research or technology experience is needed.
Who am I looking for?
I am looking for older people living with frailty and family members or unpaid carers who have experience of supporting an older person with frailty. Experience of Hospital at Home, a virtual ward, community nursing, remote monitoring or receiving care at home would be particularly helpful, although it is not essential. A formal diagnosis of frailty is not required.
I am keen to hear from people with a range of backgrounds and experiences so that the research reflects different perspectives. I particularly welcome interest from people whose voices may be less often represented in research, including people from minority ethnic communities and people with sensory, communication or accessibility needs. No particular group is being exclusively recruited.
What is the time commitment and location?
Initially, approximately 60–90 minutes for an online discussion, plus a small amount of time to read short information beforehand if desired. There may be opportunities for further involvement in developing the fellowship application and, if the fellowship is funded, longer-term involvement. Any future involvement would be discussed separately and would be optional.
This will be primarily online, using Microsoft Teams. In-person involvement in Oxford may also be possible in the future where appropriate and agreed with contributors.
To express your interest in being involved, please contact Yuhan Zhang: [email protected] before 12 October 2026.
Reimbursement
Contributors will be offered payment for their time and reasonable expenses in line with the relevant Oxford University Hospitals / NIHR public involvement guidance.
Organisation
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – Frailty / Hospital at Home
Contact
Yuhan Zhang, Clinical Frailty Lead Nurse / Nurse Researcher, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Email: [email protected]