Implementing a nurse-led quality improvement project in nursing home during COVID 19 pandemic: A qualitative study

Background: There is broad consensus that the quality of nursing home (NH) care is a research priority to advance NH practice. However, NHs often fail to implement quality improvement (QI) research projects and complex circumstances such as Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic may further hinder compliance. This study aims to describe the challenges associated with implementing a nurse-led QI project in NH during COVID-19 pandemic and potential strategies for their overcoming. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was performed, and three data collection strategies employed, including: 1. semi-structured, open-ended interviews with follow-up questions (one NH manager, three members of the NH staff, and two family caregivers of people with advanced dementia); 2. research diary; and 3. in-the-field-notes. A combined deductive and inductive content analysis was adopted to analyze data. Results: Challenges may be anticipated or unanticipated. QI projects should include preliminary assessments to identify the willingness to change and establish partnerships at multiple levels with all stakeholders, adjust the implementation plan to the organizational context, and be open to ongoing changes. Conclusions: Early and regular engagement of stakeholders strengthen relationships. Moreover, an ongoing reflective practice throughout the entire implementation process promotes openness to change, and finally learning and improvement.