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

Aim This study aims to explore the relationship between work environment, job characteristics and person-centred care for people with dementia in nursing homes. Background Person-centred 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-centred 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 an online questionnaire about work environment characteristics and person-centred 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-centred care. Conclusion(s) In a complex nursing home environment, person-centred care is influenced by organisational 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-centred care. Therefore, a transformational leadership style, educational programmes and coaching for leaders are recommended.