2024 Advancing Research on Care and Outcome Measurements (ARCOM)

Development and testing of QUALity of Interactions Inventory (QUALII)

How can we optimize positive care interactions between staff and residents with dementia in assisted living facilities?

Anju Paudel, Ph.D., R.N.
Pennsylvania State University
State College , PA - United States

Background

According to the 2023 Alzheimer’s Association Facts and Figures report, forty-two percent of residents in residential care facilities (housing that includes services to assist with everyday activities, such as medication management and meals), including assisted living facilities, have Alzheimer’s or other dementias. Positive care interactions between staff and residents are essential to understand and respond to the needs of residents in assisted living facilities and optimize their quality of life. Positive care interactions benefit staff of such facilities, as well. 

Research focused on understanding and improving staff-resident interactions in long-term care has mostly targeted nursing home settings. There is less known about care interactions in the unique setting of assisted living facilities.

Research Plan

Dr. Anju Paudel and team developed a process and outcome measure called QUALity of Interactions Inventory (QUALII) to guide positive care interactions between staff and residents with Alzheimer’s in assisted living facilities. This tool will help evaluate the impact of such interactions. The researchers will first convene a panel of clinical and academic experts in Alzheimer’s care and communication to validate QUALII. Next, Dr. Paudel will conduct a pilot test of QUALII in an assisted living setting. They will conduct observations of 100 staff from five assisted living facilities to collect data on care interactions guided by QUALII.

Impact

Findings from this study may provide a way to optimize daily care interactions in Alzheimer’s care in assisted living facilities. If successful, the results may support the use of QUALII to both guide staff-resident interactions in assisted living facilities and evaluate the quality of interactions in research.