Survey model and methodology

The 2022 National Nursing Home Experience Survey Resident Questionnaire includes 50 structured, tick-box questions and four open-ended (free-text) questions. The survey covers many topics such as person-centred care, daily routines and activities in the nursing home, privacy, residents’ involvement in decisions, staff, and food. Residents will also have the opportunity to share their experiences of the nursing home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2022 Resident Survey Questionnaire

The 2022 National Nursing Home Experience Survey Family Member or Friend Questionnaire includes 45 structured, tick-box questions and four open-ended (free-text) questions. The survey covers many topics such as family members’/friends’ experiences of their loved one’s move into the nursing home, staff, visits to the nursing home, care provided to the resident and the living environment. Family members or friends will also have the opportunity to share their experiences of the nursing home during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

2022 Designated Representative Survey Questionnaire

Questionnaire development

The steps undertaken to develop the National Nursing Home Experience Survey questionnaire were:

1. An international review of nursing home experience surveys identified international best practice with regard to the questionnaires and methodologies employed to deliver a national survey of nursing home experience.
2. Focus groups held with nursing home residents, family members, nursing home management, health and social care service staff, advocacy bodies as well as policymakers and healthcare regulators identified the key themes to be included in the questionnaires.
3. A gap analysis consisting of a review of national standards and policies was conducted to ensure that all aspects of care important in the Irish context of nursing home care provision were captured.
4. A list of questions was assembled from the previous steps, followed by a two-round Delphi Study with key stakeholders with knowledge and experience in the area of nursing home care. The purpose of Delphi Study was to identify the priority questions to be included in the questionnaires.
5. Picker Institute Europe checked the measurement and analytical quality of the questions in both questionnaires.
6. Cognitive interviews with relevant individuals, such as nursing home residents and family members, were undertaken to assess the clarity and appropriateness of the National Nursing Home Experience Survey questionnaires.
7. A further review of the questionnaires was undertaken by the National Nursing Home Experience Survey Programme Board.
8. The National Nursing Home Experience Survey was approved and is being used in 2022 to capture the experiences of nursing home residents and their family members or friends.

Technical report

After each survey, the team publishes a technical report which provides a comprehensive description of the survey model and methodology. Our technical reports are designed to provide sufficient detail for repetition, replication and review. The National Nursing Home Experience Survey 2022 Technical Report can be found below.

Technical report 2022