Facilitated reflection meetings as a relational approach to problem-solving within long-term care facilities

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Organizational Psychology
• Sociology of Work

Background:

• Care workers possess crucial insights for enhancing long-term care facility (LTCF) environments.
• Integrating care worker perspectives into LTCF decision-making remains a persistent challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate a facilitated reflection meeting practice designed to involve care workers in organizational problem-solving.
• To understand the effectiveness and mechanisms of this intervention from the participants' viewpoint.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study employing observations and individual/group interviews.
• Analysis of a practice involving weekly/bimonthly facilitated reflection meetings between workers and management.

Main Results:

• The intervention successfully established a safe environment for open communication, where workers felt heard and respected.
• Diverse occupational groups contributed, ensuring solutions were contextually relevant to organizational and occupational realities.
• The process fostered trust, respect, and collaboration, leading to impressive outcomes in problem resolution.

Conclusions:

• Facilitated reflection meetings represent a valuable strategy for improving work organization in LTCFs.
• This approach aligns well with the dynamic and relational nature of care work.
• Prioritizing relational work is key to building trust and achieving collaborative improvements in care settings.