Data collection has begun for a new project to find new ways to protect care home residents from infections and reduce outbreaks, which can cause homes to close and stop relatives from visiting.

The Vivaldi Social Care project, spearheaded by University College London, Care England, and The Outstanding Society, has been co-produced with input from residents, relatives, providers, and partners across health and social care.

the project aims to enhance the understanding and management of infections in care settings. More than 600 care homes have joined this 12-month initiative.

Professor Martin Green, chief executive of Care England, said: “Vivaldi Social Care gives a voice to our sector. It enables residents, families, front line staff, providers and wider stakeholders come together to create outcomes for social care, by social care. It brings the sector together to improve learning and lays a strong foundation for other studies to shape social care through research going forward. With the data from Vivaldi, we can work with policymakers to create and deliver co-produced and informed positive change for people who live in, work in, and visit social care.”

Zoë Fry, executive director at The Outstanding Society, commented: “Vivaldi Social Care – research led by social care for social care – The Outstanding Society is proud to lead on onboarding care homes, training, and the adult social care engagement collective – co-production at its best. We’re dedicated to reducing infections and improving lives in adult social care. Heartfelt thanks to everyone contributing to the success of this project: residents, relatives, providers, and colleagues across health and social care”

The project is supported by the National Institute of Health & Social Care Research and funded by The UK Health Security Agency, with support from sector providers, researchers, those in care. and major representative groups from across the sector.