Assessment of Nursing Staff Learning Needs Around Person-Centered Risk Management in Nursing Homes

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nursing
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Delivering person-centered care (PCC) in nursing homes requires addressing resident preferences, even when they involve perceived risks.
• Staff competency and support systems are crucial for effectively navigating these complex care situations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess nursing home staff's perceived learning and practice competency needs for delivering PCC when resident preferences involve risks.
• To identify challenges and support requirements for staff in managing high-risk care preferences.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was used, combining a survey of 87 nursing home staff and leaders with two focus groups involving 14 participants.
• Data collection focused on staff confidence levels, challenges, and perceived needs related to resident preferences and risk management.

Main Results:

• Staff reported highest confidence in managing medication refusal (4.1/5) and lowest in managing smoking preferences (2.4/5).
• A significant proportion of staff (71.6%) worried about risk outcomes, and 48.1% reported a lack of supportive policies and procedures.
• Focus groups identified key themes: Establishing Person-Centered Values, Navigating Risk, and Operational Characteristics.

Conclusions:

• Findings highlight critical competency gaps and the need for enhanced staff training and clear protocols to support PCC delivery when risks are involved.
• Development of a practice protocol is recommended to improve nursing competence in negotiating resident preferences against perceived risks.