Therapy staff turnover in SNFs linked to decline in long-term resident mobility

A recent study tracked therapy staff (physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy) in U.S. Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) from July 2020 through September 2023. Across all SNFs, the average quarterly turnover rate among therapy staff was about 13%. The research highlights a link between staffing instability and adverse outcomes for long-term residents.

The study was conducted by Assistant Professor Rachel Prusynski, DPT, PhD, NCS, in collaboration with Professor Tracy Mroz, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, and colleagues in the UW Center for Health Workforce Studies. 

According to the study, therapy staff turnover was significantly higher in for-profit and urban SNFs, as well as those with recent ownership changes or existing low nurse-to-patient ratios. Periods of high therapy staff turnover were associated with higher rates of patients experiencing an increased need for help with daily activities and a decline in independent mobility.

Results suggest that urban and for-profit SNFs could be targeted to reduce therapy staff turnover, with the potential for modest improvements in patient outcomes.

The study is now online at Sage Journals.