Effects of a relationship-enhancing program of care on outcomes

Abstract

Purpose: To examine the effects of a relationship-enhancing program of care (REPC) on resident and care provider outcomes.

Design and methods: A quasi-experimental, repeated measures design, with intervention and comparison groups. Questionnaires were distributed to 50 residents, and observations were conducted of 40 residents and 34 nursing staff at baseline and 3 months after the intervention, on two Canadian nursing home units. An investigator-designed educational program based on Winnicott's theory of relationships and the empirical literature, was provided to care providers and their supervisors on the intervention unit. Repeated measures analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA) was used to compare the intervention and comparison groups in regard to changes in the outcomes over time.

Findings: The REPC had statistically significant effects on (a) residents' perceptions of care providers' relational care, (b) care providers' relational behaviors, and (c) continuity of care.

Conclusions: Evidence showed that these care providers were taught how to enhance their relational skills with residents living in long-term care facilities without added staff. Recommendations for practice and research are discussed.