Indicating Care Process Quality: A Multidimensional Scaling Analysis

J Nurs Meas. 2022 Sep 1;30(3):364-387. doi: 10.1891/JNM-D-20-00096. Epub 2021 Jan 11.

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Resident assessments are analyzed by multidimensional scaling. Methods: We analyzed observer-based real care and support time in four facilities with 209 residents during two working days; resident, organizational data and pairs of residents were assessed by registered and assistant nurses regarding the dissimilarity of resident pairs. Registered- and assistant nurses dissimilarity assessments are compared to criteria-based nursing management assessment. Results: The fits of management criteria matrices as external restrictions are higher in registered nurses' than in assistant nurses' assessments. These differences disappear with low staffing. Conclusion: The influence of qualification levels on assessment is affected by staffing. Low complexity of Assistant Nurses assessments is connected to higher nursing care and support time in groups of demanding residents.

Keywords: long-term care; multidimensional scaling; nursing assessment; process quality.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Multidimensional Scaling Analysis*
  • Nursing Assessment
  • Nursing Homes*
  • Quality of Health Care
  • Reproducibility of Results