Case
Abstract
This case study describes how we conducted an observational study to explore the activities of care providers in long-term care facilities and to determine whether variations existed within and across different roles, shifts, and facilities. We focus on how observational data of care activities can be collected in a manner that does not violate the privacy of residents living in the facilities. We discuss how the requirement for informed consent was managed given the ever-changing population of residents, staff, visitors, and volunteers. We also discuss how observation data can be collected, stored, and analyzed.