Enhancing Quality Improvement Adoption in US Nursing Homes 

Posted in INDUSTRY NEWS, Long-Term Care

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDP
Clinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated and illuminated quality failings in nursing homes, persistent equity issues, and the system- and policy-level factors that contribute to their endurance. To begin seeking ways to address these issues, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) conducted a 90-day innovation project to identify key activities to increase adoption of effective quality improvement practices in US nursing homes. To inform the work, IHI conducted a literature scan focused on quality improvement in US nursing homes and the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) program; 20+ expert interviews; and a site visit to one high-performing nursing home. This report summarizes the research findings and presents some recommendations for organizations seeking to work with nursing homes to improve quality.

The intent of this 90-day innovation project (conducted from July to September 2022) was to develop a theory of change about activities needed to increase adoption of effective quality improvement (QI) practices in nursing homes in the United States. To inform the work, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) conducted a literature scan focused on quality improvement in US nursing homes and the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) program; 20+ expert interviews (see Appendix A); and a site visit to one high-performing nursing home. The innovation project sought to research the following questions:

• How can QAPI implementation and QI practices be improved in nursing homes?

• Can nursing homes improve quality by focusing on culture, trust, and will?

• What workstreams, staffing models, and other practical elements are needed to operationalize a robust quality improvement program within nursing homes?

This report summarizes the research findings and presents some recommendations for organizations seeking to work with nursing homes to improve quality.

This is a good read.  Please share with your team and your colleagues.