Creating Bridges Between Researchers and Long-Term Care Homes to Promote Quality of Life for Residents

Improving the quality of life for long-term care (LTC) residents is of vital importance. Researchers need to involve LTC staff in planning and implementing interventions to maximize the likelihood of success. The purposes of this study were to (a) identify barriers and facilitators of LTC homes' readiness to implement evidence-based interventions, and (b) develop strategies to facilitate their implementation. A mixed methods design was used, primarily driven by the qualitative method and supplemented by two smaller, embedded quantitative components. Data were collected from health care providers and administrators using 13 focus groups, 26 interviews, and two surveys. Findings revealed that participants appreciated being involved at early stages of the project, but receptiveness to implementing innovations was influenced by study characteristics and demands within their respective practice environment. Engaging staff at the planning stage facilitated effective communication and helped strategize implementation within the constraints of the system.