Silver Linings: A Qualitative Analysis of Nursing Home Innovations Accelerated by the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic hit long-term care (LTC) facilities hard, and leaders relied on ingenuity and creative problem solving to support operations and resident care. The objective of this study was to identify innovative ideas within LTC, accelerated by the pandemic, that may continue to improve operations and resident care moving forward. Nursing home administrators and directors of nursing, food/nutrition, social services, and therapeutic recreation at 40 skilled nursing facilities were asked about beneficial, novel ideas that emerged throughout the pandemic that they believe should continue going forward. A qualitative analysis yielded 10 categories of innovative ideas (infection control, resident care, family communication, resident engagement and satisfaction, staff communication and education, sprit of the team, operations, staffing, employee wellness, and public relations). These novel ideas can be employed to improve both operations and resident care, benefiting providers, staff, residents, and families.