Browsing by Author "Ellis, Susanna Louisa Hendrina Maria"

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    An investigation into resident satisfaction following the implementation of a quality assurance programme at a home for the elderly
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2015-12) Ellis, Susanna Louisa Hendrina Maria; Stellenberg, E. L.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Health Sciences. Dept. of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. Nursing.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: A growing number of elderly citizens are being cared for in residential facilities in South Africa. They are highly dependent on those caring for them to meet their basic needs, as well as maintaining their well-being and human dignity. The quality of care provided to them could thus have a distinctive influence on their wellness and experience of quality in their daily lives. The aim of the study was to investigate resident satisfaction following the implementation of a quality assurance programme at a home for the elderly. The objectives of the study included resident satisfaction about structure and process standards related to the programme, as well as residents’ opinion of areas for further improvement. The relationship between the demographic variables and study variables was also investigated. Ethics approval to conduct the study was obtained from the Health Research Ethics Committee of Stellenbosch University. Permission was further obtained from the Board of Directors of the facility. A descriptive research design with a quantitative approach was applied. The population consisted of all the residents of the home for the elderly. No sampling method was applied. After application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 103 (N=103) residents were invited to participate in the study. A self-administered questionnaire designed by the researcher was used to collect the data. It consisted mainly of closed-ended questions and a few open-ended questions. A return rate of was 50 (n=50) questionnaires was obtained. Reliability and validity were supported by an in-depth literature review, a pilot study and consultations with experts in geriatric nursing care, a nursing researcher and a statistician. The data was analysed with the assistance of a statistician and computer software. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to test the internal reliability of the questionnaire. The results were 0.926, 0.919 and 0.879 respectively for the questions related to structure-, process – and outcome standards. Non-parametric statistical tests and correlations were applied to the variables. This included the Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman’s rank-order correlational coefficient. The narrative data generated from the open-ended questions were thematically analysed. The results showed that the participants (n=50) were satisfied with most aspects of the facility. They were highly satisfied with the environment, safety aspects and positive attitude of the staff. However, they were less satisfied with the food services, bathroom facilities and communication processes. Many participants (44%) were dissatisfied with the input they have into the management of the facility. Almost all the participants (98%) indicated that they would recommend the facility to their friends and family, while only two participants (4%) indicated they would prefer to live at another facility. The recommendations were aimed at improvements in the food services and communication processes. Other recommendations focused on the maintenance of the infrastructure, social interaction and nursing care. It was concluded that a quality assurance programme is needed in homes for the elderly to ensure their well-being. The level of resident satisfaction could furthermore be used as an indicator of excellence.