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BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
Improving the quality of VA-sponsored nursing homes (NH) is important to veterans and veteran advocacy groups, policy makers, researchers, and health care providers. The VA provides or pays for care for certain veterans in three settings, including VA-operated NHs, state veterans' NHs, and community nursing homes (CNHs). Given fiscal constraints in state and federal governments, studies to better develop the existing nursing workforce in NHs to improve quality outcomes are increasing. Describing and explaining the relationship between registered nurse (RN) work activities and quality is being conducted in non-VA NHs. Conducting similar research in VA-sponsored NHs is important.
OBJECTIVE(S):
1. Develop five work sampling instruments for RN direct and indirect patient care for the care domains of weight loss, incontinence, pain, pressure ulcer prevention and treatment, and mobility;
2. Develop the data collection training program related to these instruments;
3. Test the five work sampling instruments in three VA-sponsored NHs, using either continuous observation or momentary time sampling to collect data.
METHODS:
The study is an exploratory descriptive study using continuous and momentary work sampling methodologies. The unit of analysis is each observational episode during which RN work activity is observed. The data sources are full-time or part-time RN nursing staff members in each of the three facilities. RNs in all roles, including the director of nursing, Minimum Data Set nurse coordinator, nurse supervisor, charge nurse, and staff nurse will be included. The study sites reflect the range of VA-sponsored NHs, including a VA-operated NH, a state veterans' home, and a CNH. Descriptive statistics will be used to analyze the data.
FINDINGS/RESULTS:
No results at this time.
IMPACT:
Improving the quality of VA-sponsored NHs is important. Development of the NH RN workforce is an essential strategy to achieve this goal, given the critical roles that RNs play in NHs. The study findings will be used in the development of an intervention designed to improve RN supervision and management associated with the implementation of clinical guidelines in VA-sponsored NHs.
PUBLICATIONS:
None at this time.
DRA:
Health Services and Systems
DRE:
Technology Development and Assessment
Keywords:
Research measure, Research method
MeSH Terms:
none
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