Evaluating the Implementation of a Pragmatic Person-Centered Communication Tool for the Nursing Home Setting: PAL Cards

Honoring nursing-home (NH) residents’ preferences for daily living is a key part of person-centered care, yet communicating preferences across care team members can be challenging. This study evaluated the implementation of the Preferences for Activity and Leisure (PAL) Card, an evidence-based tool to share resident preferences among NH staff. PAL Cards are based on information gained from the Preferences for Everyday Living Inventory. Twenty-six NHs completed the full project, which included training sessions, monthly coaching calls, and creating PAL Cards for residents. Researchers used the RE-AIM framework to evaluate providers’ perceptions of PAL Card implementation. Providers found that the intervention was feasible, acceptable, and appropriate. PAL Cards can assist NHs in building better staff-resident relationships and enhancing person-centered care delivery.