Managing adverse events in nursing homes: A qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Healthcare Management
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Adverse events (AEs) are a growing concern in nursing homes, particularly among the elderly population.
• Effective management of AEs is crucial for ensuring resident well-being and safety in long-term care facilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the lived experiences of nursing home staff in managing adverse events (AEs).
• To identify key themes related to AE awareness, reporting, and management strategies within nursing home settings.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study employing six semistructured focus group discussions.
• Involved 35 nursing home staff members (managers, nurses, nursing assistants) across two facilities.
• Thematic analysis was used to interpret the collected data.

Main Results:

• Three primary themes emerged: AE awareness (definition, attribution, avoidance), AE reporting (benefits versus barriers), and improvement measures for AE management.
• AE management is a complex issue influenced by individual, organizational, and systemic factors.
• Enhancing staff understanding, optimizing reporting, and implementing improvement measures are vital for better safety.

Conclusions:

• Improving nursing home safety requires a multifaceted approach addressing staff knowledge, reporting systems, and management strategies.
• Establishing a positive safety culture is paramount for the effective management of adverse events in nursing homes.
• The study highlights the need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate AEs and improve care quality for older adults.