What is the TREC Measurement System?

The TREC Measurement System (TMS) is a platform technology that enables TREC to leverage data for intervention studies, facility and regional level feedback, pilot studies, system projects, trainee projects and to form working groups to tackle specific questions. It is the largest longitudinal database of its kind in Canada and the only one collecting data at the unit (clinical microsystem) level.

Using the longitudinal data from the TMS, we can explore the strength of linkages between work environment, best practice use and resident outcomes using our staff survey data and the Resident Assessment Instrument – Minimum Data set 2.0 (RAI-MDS 2.0) data. Since 2008, the study has collected data from a representative sample of nursing homes that includes facilities of different sizes and owner-operator models (public, voluntary and private) in Alberta as well as at various points homes in Manitoba and British Columbia.

In 2021, we began a partnership with the Atlantic Research Collaboration on Long-Term Care (ARC LTC) at Mount Saint Vincent University, who are using the TREC Measurement System to collect data in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.

What is involved?

Using the TREC survey, we collected data from long term care facilities in waves spaced approximately 18 months apart between 20089 and 2024. We collect information on facilities and units, and from regulated and unregulated staff. Participating facilities have played an important role in building the first longitudinal database on long term care in Canada. We work closely with Facility Managers, Administrators and Directors of Care to ensure that these data are collected with minimal impact on resident care.

Why is it important?

The TMS database is a rich data source that continues to be used to provide evidence to support identification and implementation of system level changes.

A unique aspect of the TREC Measurement System is its definition and use of the clinical microsystem (i.e., working units) in nursing homes. This level of focus and analysis allows us to demonstrate the benefit of targeting change at the microsystem level as well as the broader levels of care (facility, region, etc.).

We combine survey data with RAI-MDS 2.0 outcome data, and conduct further analyses to identify factors that affect resident outcomes. This provides us and the facilities in our sample with new knowledge to improve resident quality of care and quality of life.

Progress update: Where are we now?

We have collected 7 waves of data, with our most recent survey having ended in May 2024. We continue to analyze staff data for important relationships among modifiable elements of work environments, best practice use, and staff health/well-being. Staff data also continue to be combined with RAI-MDS 2.0 data to identify factors that affect resident outcomes and will provide your facility with new knowledge to improve resident quality of care and quality of life.

Benefits to participating facilities

• Access to a rich source of data that links context, staff and resident data
• Individualized feedback reports for sites and different levels of staff
• Opportunity to share and discuss findings and strategies at Regional Summits
• Participation in projects aligned with regional and provincial priorities
• Opportunity for involvement in other TREC projects such as SCOPE & INFORM