Benchmarking implementation of a computerized system for long-term care

The purpose of this study was to apply a benchmarking methodology to identify the most effective approaches used by long-term care facilities in implementing new computerized resident assessment instrument/minimum data set (RAI/MDS) systems and to develop implementation protocols based on these best practices. Site visits were conducted with 3 long-term care facilities, selected on the basis of a national search. Facility directors, directors of nursing, information system managers, and front-line staff at each facility were targeted, and question. naires were developed for each to assess factors viewed as important to successful implementation. A convergence was found in recommended action steps reported across sites to facilitate introduction and implementation of new RAI/MDS software. An example of how benchmarking results were used to develop an implementation plan is provided. Benchmarking provided a useful methodology for identifying best practices to guide implementation planning for adoption of a new computerized RAI/MDS system in the current trial. The benchmarking steps described are replicable and can be used to guide implementation of other new systems in the nursing home setting.