Work environment and person-centered dementia care in nursing homes: A cross-sectional study

Aim: This study aims to explore the relationship between work environment, job characteristics and person-centered care for people with dementia in nursing homes. Background Person-centered care approaches have become a dominant indicator for good quality of care in nursing homes. Little is known about the relationship between work environment, job characteristics and person-centered care in nursing homes. Method(s): Cross-sectional data from the LAD-study were used. Direct care staff (n = 552) of nursing homes (n = 49) filled in an online questionnaire about work environment characteristics and person-centered care. To examine relationships, multilevel linear regression analyses were conducted. Results: Associations were found between a higher transformational leadership style, less social support from a leader, a higher unity in philosophy of care, higher levels of work satisfaction, more development opportunities, better experienced teamwork and staff-reported person-centered care. Conclusion(s): In a complex nursing home environment, person-centered care is influenced by organizational and work characteristics, shared values and interpersonal relationships. Implications for Nursing Leaders may consider facilitating collaboration and creating unity between care staff, clients and family members in order to provide person-centered care. Therefore, a transformational leadership style, educational programs and coaching for leaders are recommended