Overcoming challenges of conducting research in nursing homes

Abstract

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Challenges of conducting research in long-term care facilities: a systematic review

“…A major challenge reported by authors was the recruitment and retention of LTC facilities to participate in clinical research, as many facilities were reluctant to do so [ 27 , 46 ]. Participation in research was not a common experience for most LTC facilities [ 30 ].…”

“…Changes in ownership posed another challenge to conducting research in LTC facilities [ 25 , 46 ]. In a study conducted by Sherrell et al, 80% of nursing homes had changed their names by the time the follow-up study was administered [ 37 ].…”

“…There were 19 studies which reported challenges that could be categorized under this theme [ 24 , 25 , 28 , 31 , 32 , 34 – 36 , 38 , 42 , 46 – 49 , 51 , 52 , 55 , 58 , 60 , 62 ]. Some major issues included in this theme were: time constraint, turnover, low education level, and uncooperative attending physicians.…”

“…Staff time constraint was a major obstacle in arranging for training and execution of research [ 28 , 31 , 34 , 35 , 42 , 46 , 47 , 49 , 58 ]. In order to participate in research, LTC staff are often required to attend meetings, accompany investigators to see residents, help contact families, assist in obtaining consent, and take part in the intervention, all in addition to their regular responsibilities [ 24 , 25 , 28 , 34 , 52 ].…”

“…Another concern is high staff turnover, making it harder to carry out studies [ 24 , 28 , 34 , 46 ]. In our experience this is a particular concern when nursing assessments are primary outcome measures, and changes in the main rater may compromise validity.…”