Nursing home care quality: a cluster analysis

摘要

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore potential differences in how nursing home residents rate care quality and to explore cluster characteristics. Design/methodology/approach - A cross-sectional design was used, with one questionnaire including questions from quality from patients' perspective and Big Five personality traits, together with questions related to socio-demographic aspects and health condition. Residents (n = 103) from four Norwegian nursing homes participated (74.1 percent response rate). Hierarchical cluster analysis identified clusters with respect to care quality perceptions. χ~2 tests and one-way between-groups ANOVA were performed to characterise the clusters (p ＜ 0.05). Findings - Two clusters were identified; Cluster 1 residents (28.2 per cent) had the best care quality perceptions and Cluster 2 (67.0 per cent) had the worst perceptions. The clusters were statistically significant and characterised by personal-related conditions: gender, psychological well-being, preferences, admission, satisfaction with staying in the nursing home, emotional stability and agreeableness, and by external objective care conditions: healthcare personnel and registered nurses. Research limitations/implications - Residents assessed as having no cognitive impairments were included, thus excluding the largest group. By choosing questionnaire design and structured interviews, the number able to participate may increase. Practical implications - Findings may provide healthcare personnel and managers with increased knowledge on which to develop strategies to improve specific care quality perceptions. Originality/value - Cluster analysis can be an effective tool for differentiating between nursing homes residents' care quality perceptions.