Researchers at Bradford University have been given £2.4 million of funding to look at how dementia care can be improved.

The Bradford Dementia Group will conduct a four-year national study looking at how to better the quality of care for people with the condition in care homes.

Led by Dr Claire Surr, the research team comprises of Professor Murna Downs and Paul Edwards, of the university, as well as leading academics from King’s College London, University of Leeds, Newcastle University, and the University of Technology Sydney.

The research, funded by the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment (NIHR HTA) programme, also includes experts from Bradford District Care Trust, Oxfordshire Health NHS Foundation Trust, Bupa and the Alzheimer’s Society.

Dr Surr, a reader in dementia studies at the University of Bradford, said: “We are delighted to be supported by the NIHR HTA programme to undertake this research. This study will provide us with strong evidence about how we can ensure people living with dementia get better quality care in care homes. Care home staff need to know the best available approaches to support people living with dementia. This research will tell us if the Dementia Care Mapping tool is an effective way to equip staff with the skills they need to deliver good quality care for residents.”

The study, known as DCM-EPIC, will involve 750 people with dementia, as well as care staff, in 50 care homes across the north of England, London and Oxfordshire.

The aim is to investigate whether Dementia Care Mapping (DCM), a technique developed at the University of Bradford, is effective in helping care home staff to deliver better quality care to people with dementia.

Dr Pam Bagley, dean of the school of health studies at the University of Bradford, added: “This is a prestigious project which will contribute to our understanding of how to provide good quality dementia care.”

Alzheimer’s Society research communications officer Jessica Smith said the society was ‘very proud’ of its working relationship with the Research Network and Bradford University.

She said: “People with dementia deserve to receive the best care, and research into the most effective ways to provide this is essential.”

The research is due to finish in September 2017.