[Good quality in nursing home services? An analysis based on assessments by the head nurse]

Until quite recently few systematic studies have been carried out to determine quality in Norwegian nursing homes. Contrary to the negative pictures depicted in the media, 212 head nurses in a sample of 116 nursing homes assessed the overall quality as fairly good. However, the results show a clear potential for improvement at some nursing homes. About 3/5 of the residents have single rooms, and the results confirm that this fraction should be increased. In several nursing homes the normal every day life of non-demented residents is strained; one third of the head nurses characterize the social environment of this group as unsatisfactory. Many residents are in need of medical care and most head nurses are pleased with the medical service. However, too few hours and lack of continuity cause dissatisfaction at one out of ten units. The study demonstrates a need for more frankness and for possibilities for the residents to express their views about life in the nursing home.