Implementation of Individualized Music in Long-Term Care: Application of the PARiHS Framework

The need to provide evidence-based, person-centered care for long-term care (LTC) residents, which often include individuals with dementia, has led to a surge of interest in the implementation of individualized music (IM) programs. An exploratory study was conducted over a 6-month period using the Promoting Action on Research in Health Systems (PARiHS) framework to examine the implementation of an IM program with 19 residents in a LTC facility. All residents using IM had the device available at the end of the program, and 53% received IM at least two times per week. Qualitative analysis of stakeholder interviews with six staff members and three residents after using the PARiHS framework as an implementation guide revealed two themes: Overcoming Resistance to Innovation and Person-Centered Care Through IM. Identification of barriers and facilitators through the PARiHS elements of evidence, context, and facilitation supported the IM implementation process and should enable its replication in other facilities. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 44(8), 29-38.].