Consistent Assignment of Nursing Staff to Residents in Nursing Homes: A Critical Review of Conceptual and Methodological Issues

Abstract

Future research should focus on developing a conceptual understanding of consistent assignment focused on definition, measurement, and links to outcomes. To inform current policies, testing consistent assignment should include attention to contexts within and levels at which it is most effective.

Nursing home resident relationship types: What supports close relationships with peers & staff?

“…The results presented here were part of a larger grounded theory study that aimed to explore the process by which residents develop relationships in nursing homes and the methods are also described elsewhere (Roberts & Bowers, ).…”

“…Fifteen residents in total were recruited. Resident characteristics are reported elsewhere (Roberts & Bowers, ) and generally reflect the US nursing home population.…”

“…Close relationships between residents and staff are also believed to be essential for understanding resident care preferences and values in order to provide person‐centred care (Koren, ). Many nursing homes have invested efforts in care delivery strategies that, in part, foster close relationship development such as the use of consistent assignment staffing models and development of small house facilities (Cutler & Kane, ; Roberts, Nolet, & Bowers, ). Despite the emphasis on relationships in the field, “close relationships” are often undefined in the literature (Boscart, ; McGilton, Pringle, O'Brien‐Pallas, Wynn, & Streiner, ) and it is unclear what a close relationship looks like from a resident perspective making it difficult for caregivers to find guidance on how to support them.…”

Contextual Facilitators of and Barriers to Nursing Home Pressure Ulcer Prevention

“…33,34 The current study, although small, provides some support for the potential benefits of consistent assignment in helping prevent PrUs. Participants at all improving sites highlighted the benefits of this staffing practice.…”

Recognition and assessment of resident’ deterioration in the nursing home setting: A critical ethnography

“…Opportunities to optimise the recognition of a resident deterioration by supporting workforce consistency were identified in the findings of this study. These findings are important given the dearth of evidence identified in a systematic review exploring the value of consistent resident assignment and the need for clearly defined measurement outcomes (Roberts, Nolet, & Bowers, ). Personal‐care‐assistants demonstrated a unique culture of assessment, relying on their familiarity with residents, rather than clinical signs, to recognise deterioration and report that “something was different” (Phillips et al., ; p. 416).…”