posted on 2017-06-06, 01:30authored byDoyle, Colleen
This working paper reviews three methods of assessing the quality of long term care for the aged. The three methods are as follows. First, in criterion-guided assessment, a largely subjective assessment is made, using a set of guidelines as a framework for the assessment. These guidelines are a list of criteria which define the aspects of care which are important. Second, assessment may be made using structured assessment protocols which may include completion of written questionnaires. Structured assessment procedures concentrate on assessment of individuals living in the facility, or consist of a more general assessment of the 'personality' of the facility. Third, assessment may be based on selected key indicators which are assumed to reflect the level of quality of care found in other unmeasured areas as well, or they are used as markers for more intensive investigation. This method is a shorthand summary of the overall quality, and is used either alone or in conjunction with more detailed assessments. These methods are reviewed here with particular reference to the method of assessing quality of long term care that is used by the Australian federal government. After reviewing the literature, the policy implications of the review, and future directions for research in this field are discussed.