The CAHPS(R) Nursing Home Survey of discharged nursing home residents'experiences (NHCAHPS-D) remains to be fully developed. The survey is not used because little information exists on its content or reliability since there was insufficient sample size to finalize the instrument. We propose to comprehensively test the psychometric properties of the NHCAHPS-D, and widely publish the findings including publishing benchmarking standards. Evidence would suggest that NHCAHPS-D has considerable relevance. Over the past several decades care in nursing homes has changed substantially. Statistics recently released show that more than half of all elders cared for in nursing homes are now discharged home. Moreover, when satisfaction information from current residents is compared with those of elders discharged home substantial differences exist. This would indicate that these are different populations with different needs in the nursing home. Collecting satisfaction information in the nursing home is important. Measuring and reporting satisfaction with nursing home care may be important in helping facilities improve some aspects of quality. NHCAHPS-D may be useful for facilities because it is a mail survey that can be easily and inexpensively implemented by nursing homes. Measuring and reporting satisfaction with care may be important in helping elders and their families choose a nursing home. Thus, the NHCAHPS-D could be potentially relevant to care in nursing homes. It would appear beneficial to fully test this instrument and encourage its widespread use.
Resident satisfaction is a very important aspect of care. Resident satisfaction can be useful in choosing a nursing home that is best suited to the elder. Resident satisfaction information can be used by nursing homes to improve quality. Moreover, more satisfied residents are likely to have better health outcomes.
