Vol V, Apr `05

Initial conversations focus on the project's goals and requirements; but the single most important aspects of participation are the following benefits:

• Training. Participating nursing homes receive a free one-day training in CPG implementation from their state's nurse coordinator.
  
• Mentorship. During data collection and the CPG implementation process, the state nurse coordinators mentor participating nursing homes. As part of the mentoring relationship, nursing homes have access to clinical advice and expert understanding of the CPGs, their contents, and the implementation process.
  
• Materials. At the rollout training, nursing homes receive a wealth of free materials from their state nurse coordinator. Materials include CPG implementation tool kits and pain or pressure ulcer CPGs.
  
• Audit and feedback. During data collection, facilities collect process of care data from a subset of their residents' medical records. Using the project Web site (referenced at right), participants receive instant data feedback reports. The reports show the proportion of residents receiving recommended pain or pressure ulcer processes of care; they also allow nursing homes to compare their scores with their peers' aggregate scores.
  
• Improved care processes. Initially, nursing homes may view participation in a research project as an additional burden; but we encourage them to view this experience as a more efficient way to accomplish the same work they already do: We aim to change nursing homes care practices, not increase the workload. We believe that implementing CPGs will not only improve nursing homes' adherence to recommended care processes, but also teach staff a more efficient way to do their work.

In summary, the LTC-QI Partnership provides participating nursing homes with a wealth of training, mentorship, and materials. Nursing homes also receive data feedback allowing them to audit their care processes and compare them to other participants'. We encourage nursing homes to use this project to promote a new way to accomplish the work they already do.