State long term care ombudsman programs: factors associated with perceived effectiveness.
Gerontologist
; 44(1): 104-15, 2004 Feb.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-14978326
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE:
This article reports findings from a nationwide study on factors associated with the perceived effectiveness of state Long Term Care Ombudsman Programs (LTCOPs). DESIGN ANDMETHODS:
Researchers conducted telephone interviews with ombudsmen from the 50 state programs as well as from Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico. Data from the National Ombudsman Reporting System were incorporated into the study, and statistical tests analyze associations between self-rated program effectiveness and adequacy of resources, organizational placement-autonomy, interorganizational relationships, and other variables.RESULTS:
Several factors limit the perceived effectiveness of state LTCOPs, including insufficient funding and insufficient LTCOP autonomy caused by organizational placement. Despite these problem areas, state ombudsmen report that their programs meet statutorily mandated requirements with varying degrees of effectiveness. Findings show significant positive associations between program funding and paid and volunteer staff levels and between the ratio of long-term care beds per ombudsman and the percentage of nursing facilities visited. Sufficient funding is positively associated with perceived effectiveness of work with nursing facilities. IMPLICATIONS Sufficient resources, sufficient organizational autonomy, and a supportive political and social environment are key elements in achieving varying types of perceived effectiveness in the state LTCOPs. Research is needed to extend this work to local ombudsman programs and to compare self-rated effectiveness with other outcome measures.
Search on Google
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Patient Advocacy
/
Quality of Health Care
/
Long-Term Care
/
Nursing Homes
Type of study:
Evaluation_studies
/
Health_economic_evaluation
/
Qualitative_research
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limits:
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
America do norte
Language:
En
Journal:
Gerontologist
Year:
2004
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United States