Factors Relating to the Quality of Care for Nursing Home Residents in Korea: Using the Delphi Method

Abstract

Purpose: This study identified factors related to the quality of care in nursing homes, and elicited consensus opinions from experts on nursing homes. Methods: A Delphi questionnaire was developed based on a review of the literature using the keywords "nursing homes," "workforce," and "quality of care." A total of two Delphi surveys were conducted with 14 experts. The important and urgent factors related to the quality of care for nursing home residents emerged. Results: A consensus was achieved on the important and urgent factors relating to the quality of care. The related factors were grouped into four sections: Organizational Characteristics, Staffing Characteristics, the Long-Term Care Market and Legal and Policy Issues, and Nursing Processes. In total, 23 items were important factors and 26 items were urgent factors relating to the quality of care. In addition, the unanimous advocacy by the experts for increased hours per resident day for registered nurses (RNs, 41 minutes 59 seconds) was much higher than the current hours per resident day of RNs in Korea. Conclusion: To provide optimal care for residents in nursing homes in Korea, the mandatory and essential placement of RNs with professional knowledge and skills is paramount.