Research Overview

Family Carers Ireland is committed to developing and supporting high quality research that has relevance and meaning for family carers, research that influences social policy and enhances the quality of life of family carers and the people they care for. 

We conduct internal research and evaluation projects and partner with a range of external researchers to conduct, promote and disseminate carer research. We only support research that is ethically conducted and specifically relevant to family carers.

Family Carers Ireland contributes to the national and international evidence base about carers in the following ways:

• Conducting internal research projects, such as the bi-annual State of Caring survey
• Ensuring our research activities adhere to ethical principles.
• Partnering in research projects
• Sharing advice and expertise
• Assisting with research implementation
• Funding or co-funding research projects
• Facilitating Person Public Involvement (PPI) support
• Facilitating recruitment of participants to research studies
• Disseminating research to carers, policy makers, researchers and other relevant stakeholders

If you would like to speak with Family Carers Ireland about collaborating on a research project or need research support, please contact Joanne Murphy (jmurphy@familycarers.ie).

Principles for Conducting Research in Family Carers Ireland

As an organisation that supports family carers, it is essential that the research work carried out by, on behalf of or in partnership with Family Carers Ireland does not cause harm or distress for any carer participating in a research study. Therefore, the following principles shall be applied to all research conducted by, on behalf or in partnership with the organisation:

• Respect
• Consent
• Anonymity, Confidentiality & Privacy
• Data Security
• Promoting involvement of carers
• Accessible

External researchers who wish to conduct research with carers in Family Carers Ireland’s network reach must demonstrate how they will incorporate these principles into their own research projects. Please read this document for more information on Family Carers Ireland’s ethical principles.