Staff experiences of digital gaming in nursing homes: A qualitative study

In nursing homes, function-focused care aims to support older people's functioning and activity by promoting participation in everyday life. Digital gaming is one potential tool within this approach, but little is known about its use in staff-led daily practice. This study aimed to describe staff's experiences of the benefits of digital gaming for older people's functioning and activity, as well as its suitability for nursing home settings. Eighteen staff members participated in semi-structured focus group interviews following a 3-month digital gaming intervention. The data were analysed using inductive content analysis. The study was reported according to Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines. According to staff, digital gaming was perceived to support older people's functioning and activity through both short- and long-term benefits. Digital gaming was perceived as a useful tool for supporting function-focused activities and meaningful daily life. To maximise benefits, attention should be paid to organisational support and to staff competence in using technology to comprehensively support the functioning of older people.