Promoting resident thriving in nursing homes: A qualitative study

Abstract

AbstractAimTo explore how staff promote resident thriving in an Australian nursing home.DesignQualitative research design using content analysis.MethodsInterviews were held with 14 nursing staff working in an Australian nursing home in March/April 2018. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.ResultsFour themes were revealed: promoting personalized care; promoting opportunities for autonomy; promoting connection and meaning; and promoting a curated environment.ConclusionsStaff promoted resident thriving in relation to everyday care, activities, capabilities, relationships and the lived environment. Interventions that were perceived to promote thriving were described relative to the nurse, the resident, the care team and the wider nursing home context.Implications for the Profession and/or Patient CareThe findings provide novel insight into the understanding and application of the concept of thriving in long‐term care from nursing staffs' perspective.ImpactWhat Problem did the Study Address?Nursing home staff are uniquely positioned to support resident thriving through person‐centred care, yet little is known about how staff support promotion of thriving for nursing home residents in their everyday practice.What were the Main Findings?Nursing home staff perceived that they promoted thriving by personalizing care and supporting autonomy, connection, meaning and pleasure for residents.Where and on Whom will the Research have an Impact?These findings are of interest for the clinicians, educators and researchers who develop, implement and evaluate interventions to improve place‐related well‐being in nursing homes.Reporting MethodCORE‐Q checklist.Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution occurred for this study as this research focused on exploring staffs' perspectives from the specific viewpoint of their personal experience.