Longitudinal Evaluation of a Statewide Quality Improvement Program for Nursing Homes

Marilyn Rantz, Nicky Martin, Isabella Zaniletti, Jessica Mueller, Colleen Galambos, Amy Vogelsmeier, Lori L. Popejoy, Roy A. Thompson, Charles Crecelius

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) Nursing Home Quality report recommends that states “develop and operate state-based…technical assistance programs…to help nursing homes…improve care and…operations.” The Quality Improvement Program for Missouri (QIPMO) is one such program. This longitudinal evaluation examined and compared differences in quality measures (QMs) and nursing home (NH) characteristics based on intensity of QIPMO services used. Design: A descriptive study compared key QMs of clinical care, facility-level characteristics, and differing QIPMO service intensity use. QIPMO services include on-site clinical consultation by expert nurses; evidence-based practice information; teaching NHs use of quality improvement (QI) methods; and guiding their use of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)-prepared QM comparative feedback reports to improve care. Setting and Participants: All Missouri NHs (n = 510) have access to QIPMO services at no charge. All used some level of service during the study, 2020–2022. Methods: QM data were drawn from CMS's publicly available website (Refresh April 2023) and NH characteristics data from other public websites. Service intensity was calculated using data from facility contacts (on-site visits, phone calls, texts, emails, webinars). NHs were divided into quartiles based on service intensity. Results: All groups had different beginning QM scores and improved ending scores. Group 2, moderate resource intensity use, started with “worse” overall score and improved to best performing by the end. Group 4, most resource intensity use, improved least but required highest service intensity. Conclusions and Implications: This longitudinal evaluation of QIPMO, a statewide QI technical assistance and support program, provides evidence of programmatic stimulation of statewide NH quality improvements. It provides insight into intensity of services needed to help facilities improve. Other states should consider QIPMO success and develop their own programs, as recommended by the NASEM report so their NHs can embrace QI and “initiate fundamental change” for better care for our nation's older adults.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)904-911.e1
JournalJournal of the American Medical Directors Association
Volume25
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2024

Keywords

  • Nursing homes
  • care quality
  • longitudinal evaluation
  • quality measures
  • state technical assistance for nursing homes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Longitudinal Evaluation of a Statewide Quality Improvement Program for Nursing Homes'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this