Development and evaluation of an organisational culture change intervention in residential aged care facilities

Objective: To develop and evaluate an organisational culture change intervention for residential aged care settings.

Methods: This study was undertaken in five residential aged care facilities (RACFs). All staff working within participating RACFs were invited to take part. Participatory action research was used to develop a structured approach, supporting small workgroups of staff in each facility to undertake change cycles, focusing on improved leadership, teamwork and communication. Qualitative data were gathered from reflection and evaluation sessions with facility work team focus groups, interviews with managers and other staff who were not engaged in the work team, field journals and reflective discussion with research team members.

Results: Staff and management both positively evaluated the intervention and process, and there were perceived cultural shifts in communication, teamwork and staff empowerment.

Conclusion: An organisational culture change intervention that engages work teams through brief change cycles appears to be feasible for use in RACF.