Knowing the person of the resident – a theoretical framework for Person-centred Practice in Long-term Care (PeoPLe)

Background: Demographic change and a shift of values in society bring new challenges for the long-term care of older people, suggesting the institutional model of care should give way to one that places the person at the centre of decision making. Aim: To describe the development of a theoretical framework for person-centred practice with older people in long-term care. Development process: The framework was developed by synthesising original empirical research, existing evidence and existing theory, using an iterative and integrated approach to theory development based on a dialogical understanding of knowledge construction. The project formed part of a five-year research and practice development programme on person-centred practice in long-term care in Austria. Results: The Person-centred Practice Framework for Long-Term Care (PeoPLe) is a theoretical framework of person-centred practice, consisting of five constructs: prerequisites, practice environment, person-centred processes, fundamental principles of care, and outcome. It is dependent on the macro-context of healthcare delivery. Conclusion: PeoPLe provides a comprehensive theoretical framework for the development of person-centred practice in long-term care. The framework can be used to guide empirical inquiry, education and practice development. Implications for practice: The Person-centred Practice Framework for Long-term Care (PeoPLe) is a comprehensive theoretical framework that sets out principles for the operationalisation of person-centred practice with older people in long-term care The Fundamental Principles of Care component of the PeoPLe framework is reported to appeal to many practitioners and may serve also as a low-threshold starting point for practice development The Fundamental Principles of Care component may steer the development of person-centred processes and individual care plans with persons in care. It can, for example, be used to guide assessment, case conferences and documentation