Using Phenomenological Hermeneutics to Understand the Experiences of Managers Working with Quality Improvement Strategies in an Assisted Living Facility.

Singh Singh,Wiese Wiese,Sillerud Sillerud

doi:10.3390/healthcare7030087

Singh Singh, Wiese Wiese + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare7030087

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Journal: Healthcare	Publication Date: Jul 7, 2019
Citations: 4	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Minnesota State University Moorhead

Abstract

This qualitative research project aimed to gain an understanding of the experiences of managers who participated in the implementation of quality improvement projects in an assisted living facility. This study employed hermeneutic phenomenology as a research methodology, whereby managers working in an assisted living facility were invited to participate in a 60–75 min semi-structured interview. Six managers participated in the interviews. Five themes were developed from data analysis: (1) Quality improvement (QI) and resident-centered care go hand-in-hand; (2) Constant on-going commitment to continuous improvement is needed to implement QI; (3) Learning to communicate with team-members and residents/caregivers is important to implement QI; (4) Feedback is essential for the implementation of QI initiatives; and (5) Implementing new QI initiatives can be challenging. The managers emphasized the need for leadership commitment, the usage of standardized communication methods, and feedback strategies to ensure the success of QI initiatives. Additionally, the managers indicated that QI is directly related to resident-centered care and that efforts should be made to collect feedback from residents to further improve processes. Additionally, challenges surrounding the implementation of QI have been described. Since there is a scarcity of research on the implementation of QI methods in assisted living facilities, this study can provide practical tips to leaders and administrators.

Highlights

Assisted living facilities (ALF), one of the most important components of senior support services, provide a wide range of options to individuals who desire to live independently but need assistance with the activities of daily living
This qualitative research project aimed to gain an understanding of the experiences of managers who participated in the implementation of quality improvement projects in an assisted living facility
Because phenomenology deals with the experience of individuals, this approach was used for understanding the experiences of managers who were involved in the implementation of quality improvement projects in an assisted living facility

Summary

Introduction

Assisted living facilities (ALF), one of the most important components of senior support services, provide a wide range of options to individuals who desire to live independently but need assistance with the activities of daily living. 75% of the residents living in ALFs need support with activities of daily living and 95% suffer from chronic health conditions. QI can be defined as a collaborative effort led by administrative professionals, clinical workers, patients, caregivers, and researchers to improve processes and health outcomes for patients/residents who need care. Key aims, described by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), such as patient safety, efficiency, patient-centric, timeliness of services, and effectiveness of care should be considered as managers plan to implement QI strategies in health organizations [8,9]. Improving the standard of quality enhances the lives of residents in long-term care facilities. Quality improvement methods allow long-term care facilities to achieve increases in quality, safety, and efficiency, which all enhance the lives of the residents living in these facilities [11]. Managers are the connection between upper administration and frontline workers in an organization, which makes them responsible for many activities to fulfill their positions [12]

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