Work

Staff experiences of person-centred care and quality of life in nursing homes as influenced by leadership and work situation: a qualitative study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: PCC is widely recognised as an important approach to supporting QoL in nursing homes. However, staff's ability to provide PCC may be influenced by leadership and working conditions. There is still limited knowledge of how staff themselves experience performing PCC to support residents' QoL in everyday nursing home care. The aim of this study was to explore staff experiences of providing PCC to support resident QoL and how their provision of PCC is influenced by leadership and staff working conditions. METHODS: A qualitative study design was used. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 enrolled nurses and five nursing assistants working in nursing homes in four Swedish municipalities between February and May 2024. Data were analysed using qualitative conventional content analysis. RESULTS: An overarching theme, Creating everyday meaning despite challenges, was supported by three categories: Building human relationships in care, Connecting through communication and teamwork, and Overcoming obstacles for person-centred care. Meaningful relationships, attentiveness and tailored support were described as central to providing PCC and supporting residents' QoL. Communication and teamwork enabled staff to understand and respond to residents' individual needs, while leadership contributed by supporting staff and facilitating teamwork. Organisational barriers, including staffing shortages, time pressure, communication difficulties and limited leadership support, constrained staff members' ability to consistently provide PCC and support residents' QoL. CONCLUSIONS: Staff described a strong intrinsic commitment to providing PCC that supports residents' QoL. However, their ability to do so was shaped by leadership and organisational conditions. Enabling PCC in nursing homes therefore requires not only staff commitment, but also supportive leadership, adequate staffing and work environments that allow time, communication and continuity in care. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

Source: BMC Geriatrics

DOI: 10.1186/s12877-026-08594-1

Authors: Håkan Eldskott, Marie Lindkvist, Johan Niklasson, Annica Backman

Institution: Umeå University

Language: English

Topic: Geriatric Care and Nursing Homes

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,190