Evaluating the Implementation of a Pragmatic Person-Centered Communication Tool in the Nursing Home via the RE-AIM Framework.

Abstract Background: Person-centered care (PCC) is a philosophy that recognizes “knowing the person” and honoring individual preferences. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the implementation of a novel PCC communication tool in nursing homes (NH). The tool is based on an assessment of NH resident likes and dislikes via the Preferences for Everyday Living Inventory (PELI), which is an evidenced-based, validated instrument used to enhance the delivery of PCC. The Preferences for Activity and Leisure (PAL) Card was developed to communicate residents’ preferences for leisure and activities across care team members. Methods: Providers were recruited to utilize the recreation and leisure items from the PELI to assess resident important preferences and create PAL Cards for 15-20 residents. Providers collected data aligned with the RE-AIM framework (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance). Results: Reach and Adoption: A total of n=43 providers registered and n=26 (60%) providers completed the project. Ownership of participating providers included 54% not for profit, 46% for profit, and 8% government owned with an average star rating of 3.7 (SD 1.1) and a range of 1-5. Effectiveness and Implementation: Participants attempted n=424 PAL Cards and completed n=406. The average acceptability of the intervention measure (AIM) was 4.7 (SD 0.4), intervention appropriateness measure (IAM) was 4.5 (SD 0.5), and feasibility of intervention measure (FIM) was 4.6 (SD 0.5). Maintenance: Providers were able to complete 82% of PAL Card placement over the course of 5 months with few cards going missing (<2%). Conclusion: The majority of providers were successful in implementing PAL Cards for residents and reported the intervention as highly acceptable, appropriate, and feasible. The pragmatic PAL Card intervention can assist nursing home providers in meeting PCC regulations and contribute to building relationships between residents, family, and staff.