A project aiming to transform the assessment and care of residents who lack capacity has been recognised with an award for its potential impact.

The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), involving neurological care provider PJ Care and the University of Leicester, was named the project with “Potential for Greatest Impact” at the “Bulbies”, a KTP showcase event at the university’s business school.

The Celebration of Leicestershire KTPs event was the first of its kind held by the university, together with De Montfort University and Loughborough University.  Projects were judged by students, academics and companies involved in the KTPs.

PJ Care and the University of Leicester have developed an assessment tool that uses wellbeing indicators such as oxygen levels to provide insights into personal wellbeing, sense of agency, independence, and self-determination. The new tool has become part of PJ Care’s digital care planning system.  

The data capture tool was developed by PJ Care’s clinical research associate and business analyst Zehra Turel, working alongside Professor John Maltby and Professor Elizabeta Mukaetova-Ladinska of Leicester’s School of Psychology and Vision Sciences. “The event was a great opportunity to present the innovation, challenges and the resulting impact of the project, which we feel could transform care, not just for residents at PJ Care, but across the sector,” said Turel.

“Our aim is to refine an assessment tool and data analysis process that can give reliable wellbeing metrics.  This will allow for much more tailored care for individuals who can’t readily communicate their feelings and experiences,” said project lead Dr Allan Perry, director of clinical services and consultant clinical neuropsychologist at PJ Care.

PJ Care runs three neurological care centres in Milton Keynes and Peterborough.  The research team aims to complete a technical report and performance review before the end of the year, ahead of introducing the assessment protocol to the wider care sector.