Knowing the person of the resident - A conceptual 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.