JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Although the benefits of person-centered care (PCC) are widely recognized, there is a lack of empirical research on how PCC is best developed and implemented by the leaders responsible for driving such initiatives. To achieve meaningful change and ensure the sustainability of PCC practices, it is crucial to understand how leaders can foster care environments rooted in person-centered values while managing operational challenges. This knowledge gap highlights the need for an in-depth exploration of the conceptual foundations, experiences, mechanisms, strategies, and outcomes of person-centered leadership (PCL) in order to design an intervention for strengthening such leadership.

Objective:

The aim of the Person-centered Care and Leadership in Residential Care Facilities (PERLE) study is to explore and develop tools to measure PCL. The aim is also to develop, test, and implement, and investigate the effects of, an intervention to strengthen PCL in residential care facilities (RCFs) for older people. An additional aim is to generate knowledge about the process of development and implementation of the intervention.

Methods:

The PERLE study builds on the Medical Research Council framework for the development of complex interventions. It includes several studies with explorative, descriptive, correlational, and quasi-experimental designs and is based on the research group’s previous research on PCL. The project is composed of five work packages (WPs). Each WP includes research questions with different samples, data collection, and methodological approaches such as qualitative, mixed methods, and quantitative studies. This project involves sensitive issues and a high level of ethical awareness was maintained throughout. The primary challenge is the possible interference with participants’ work time, which could otherwise be devoted to supporting older people and staff. Nevertheless, leaders’ and staff involvement can lead to valuable knowledge to improve quality of PCC. Participants will be provided with both oral and written information about the study and assured of their right to withdraw at any time without providing a reason.

Results:

Seven studies in WP I have already been conducted or are in progress. They concern leaders’ understanding of PCC, the meaning of PCL in RCFs from the perspective of leaders, ethical challenges in providing PCC during the pandemic, and the translation and cultural adaptation of the Aged Care Clinical Leadership Qualities Framework.

Conclusions:

This project aims to provide new insights into the support first-line managers need to advance PCC in RCFs, highlight their specific challenges, and create tailored support measures for implementation of PCL. The intervention could potentially reduce staff turnover and related costs while supporting leadership training and education to benefit future leaders in aged care, which may be important from an international perspective. Clinical Trial: The quasi-experimental intervention study will be registered at ClinicalTrials.gov when the outcome measures are determined. Registration details will be provided once available.