Vol XIII, Jan `06

Barrier:

Strategy: While the amount of time may be unavoidable--the process was designed to be user-friendly to increase efficiency--staff may need education to better understand how the data collection process can replace or augment existing work. For example, the data feedback reports may help with MDS assessments or replace quality assurance audits. An immediate benefit would help staff find a more immediate "return on investment" for their time.

Barrier: Ability to use data. Data becomes useful for nursing homes when--and only when--it turns into actionable information. To ensure that sustainability and spread were possible with minimal assistance, the LTC-QI Partnership provided nursing homes access to real-time reports but did not provide additional training or assistance about incorporating the results into facilities' internal processes.

Strategy: In addition to providing data feedback reports, suggesting ways that nursing homes can use the data may add value to the process (as well as addressing the previous barrier, the amount of time). For example, nursing homes can encourage their quality improvement teams to use the data feedback reports to target areas for internal quality improvement.

In addition, they help staff focus on improvement by posting the information in the break room or offering rewards or other incentives for improvement.

Barrier: Sporadic due dates. The three data collection periods were designed to measure the impact (Months 1-9) and sustainability (Months 9-15) of the LTC-QI Partnership intervention.

Strategy: While project staff limited data collection to three data collection periods to minimize the data collection burden, having more collection periods may have the added benefit of (1) increasing staff's familiarity with the process, (2) ensuring adequate transfer of knowledge between old and new staff, and (3) making data collection routine.