Developing a satisfaction survey for families of Ohio's nursing home residents.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this project was to develop a reliable and valid family satisfaction instrument for use in Ohio's nursing homes.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Investigators worked with an advisory council to develop the survey. Purposive sampling techniques were largely used to select 12 small, medium, and large for-profit and proprietary facilities in one large county for the pretest. A total of 239 families who were "most involved" in their relative's care completed an instrument with 97 satisfaction items.

RESULTS

Factor analyses identified nine factors that explained 59.44% of the variance in satisfaction. Investigator judgment modified some factors and developed scales. The scales had good internal reliability ( and above, except for one), test-retest reliability ranged from.49 to.88, and differences between families of short- and long-stay residents were in expected directions. A final instrument with 62 satisfaction and 17 background items was recommended for statewide implementation.

IMPLICATIONS

Findings from the project can be used to further refine the instrument and protocols for use with larger populations in other states and by the federal government.