Individualized care: perceptions of certified nurse's aides.
Despite substantial attention devoted to the development of individualized care in nursing homes during recent years, empirical research assessing progress is limited. Further, few studies have explored the experiences of certified nurse's aides (CNAs) in this regard. This survey examines the perceptions and experiences of CNAs in providing individualized care. CNAs (n = 254) were asked to describe a number of current practices and obstacles to implementing individualized care in nursing homes. The majority of respondents reported experiencing: flexibility to change daily schedules; supervisor assistance with challenging residents; active participation in care planning; freedom to test new approaches to care; and supervisors who are open to CNA suggestions. Several barriers to individualized care were also described, including: inadequate staffing; poor team communication; staff attitudes; and a lack of knowledge and training in alternative approaches. These findings provide important insights into the supports and obstacles to implementing individualized care in nursing homes from the perspective of CNAs.
Curry
L
L
Braceland Center for Mental Health and Aging, Institute of Living, Hartford Hospital's Mental Health Network, 400 Washington Street, Hartford, CT 06106, USA.
Porter
M
M
Michalski
M
M
Gruman
C
C
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002568:Certification; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016294:Models, Nursing; D009728:Nursing Assistants / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009735:Nursing Homes; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010347:Patient Care Planning / Q000592:standards*; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000592:standards*; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016526:Workload