Sharing Lessons From Successes

ABSTRACT

Purpose:To identify leadership styles and staffing strategies in Missouri long-term care (LTC) facilities that stood out among their peers as “positive deviants” with regard to COVID-19 infections and staffing shortages.Methods:Statewide survey of all LTC facilities to identify exemplar facilities with stable staffing and low rates of COVID-19. Interviews with senior leaders were conducted in 10 facilities in the state to understand the strategies employed that led to these “positive outliers.” A result-based educational program was designed to describe their actions and staff reactions.Results:Exemplar leaders used transformational leadership style. Top reasons for their success were as follows (1) trusting and supportive staff relationships;(2) positive presence and communication;and (3) use of consistent staffing assignments. Strong statewide participation was noted in the educational programs.