Published: January 10, 2023
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This study examined whether staffing instability, defined as the percentage of days below average staffing levels, is associated with nursing home quality when controlling for average staffing levels.

Findings included: staffing instability of licensed practical nurses and certified nurse aides was associated with lower quality across standard quality measures.

This study suggests that holding average staffing levels constant, day-to-day staffing stability, especially avoiding days with low staffing of licensed practical nurses and certified nurse aides, is a marker of better quality of nursing homes. Future research should investigate the causes and potential solutions for instability in staffing in all facilities, including those that may appear well-staffed on average

Mukamel DB, Saliba D, Ladd H, Konetzka RT. Association of Staffing Instability With Quality of Nursing Home Care. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(1):e2250389. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.50389