Nursing Home Organizational Change: The “Culture Change” Movement as Viewed by Long-Term Care Specialists

Abstract

A decade-long grassroots movement aims to deinstitutionalize nursing home (NH) environments and individualize care. Coined “NH Culture Change” the movement is often described by its resident-centered/directed care focus. While empirical data of “culture change’s” costs and benefits are limited, it is broadly viewed as beneficial and widely promoted. Still, debate abounds regarding barriers to its adoption. We used data from a Web-based survey of 1,147 long-term care specialists (including NH and other providers, consumers/advocates, state and federal government officials, university/academic, researchers/consultants, and others) to better understand factors associated with perceived barriers. Long-term care specialists view the number-one barrier to adoption differently depending on their employment, familiarity with culture change, and their underlying policy views. To promote adoption, research and broad-based educational efforts are needed to influence views and perceptions. Fundamental changes in the regulatory process together with targeted regulatory changes and payment incentives may also be needed.