This study examined nursing home staff’s perceived learning and practice competency needs to provide more effective person-centered care for individuals whose preferences involve risk. The project included a survey of nursing home staff and leaders (n = 87) as well as two focus groups (n = 14). The project found that staff were most confident in handling preferences related to medication refusal and least confident in managing preferences related to smoking. Staff were challenged in denying residents’ preferences and worried about risk outcomes for residents or themselves. Findings informed the development of a practice protocol to improve staff competence in handling situations that involve negotiating resident and nursing home risks in care delivery.
Behrens L., Madrigal, C., Dellefield, M.E. (2023). Assessment of nursing staff learning needs around person-centered risk management in nursing homes. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 49(2):7-12. doi: 10.3928/00989134-20230106-02.