Characteristics of administrators and quality of care in Ontario care facilities

This exploratory study investigated administrator and facility predictors of quality of care (QOC) in care facilities (CF). Surveys were mailed to all 602 CF administrators in Ontario; half of whom responded. Quality was measured using the last certification inspection report obtained from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care public report on certified CF. Quality predictors were found using multiple regression analysis. Education and experience as an administrator in current position had a moderate positive influence on quality; however, a negative influence was found between salary and effort devoted to resident care. In addition, smaller facilities, facilities in less populated communities and administrators with a nursing background significantly affected quality in a positive manner. Recommendations for improving QOC in CF include increasing efforts to retain effective administrators, enhancing educational and training programs for administrators, building smaller CF with fewer beds, and renovating large facilities into multiple smaller facilities