Good Samaritan Staffing Pattern Study
This study was initiated to determine what the outcomes were from new staffing models adopted at three small nursing homes and how to best disseminate and implement this model in other homes within the Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society network. More than a year ago financial necessity forced one of these homes to adopt a universal worker design--that is, they trained their nursing staff to also carry out the functions of housekeeping and dietary staff.
Anecdotal outcomes were positive and the Society wanted to assure that scientific evidence affirming this model was strong so they asked the Center on Aging staff to test outcomes and to evaluate the process that was used to implement the model. Two other homes are being used as comparisons. They have also made organizational changes in their model of care to a more resident-centered focus through the use of neighborhoods.
The Staffing Pattern Study is funded by the Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society.