Validation of a national leadership framework to promote and protect quality residential aged care: protocol for a Delphi study

INTRODUCTION: Australia's ageing population is driving an increased demand for residential aged care services, yet concerns about the quality and safety of such care remain. The recent Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety identified various limitations relating to leadership within these services. While some competency frameworks exist globally, there is a need for sector-specific leadership competencies in the Australian residential aged care setting to promote and protect quality of care. 

METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study uses the Delphi technique to establish the content validity of a national leadership framework (RCSM-QF) for promoting and protecting the quality of residential aged care in Australia. Participants will be identifiable experts through current employment within, policy development for or research with the aged care sector. The survey will ask participants to rate the relevance, importance and clarity of RCSM-QF items and their corresponding descriptions and seek suggestions for revisions or additional items. Content validity will be assessed using the Content Validity Index, with items meeting specific criteria retained, revised, or removed. 

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval has been sought via the James Cook University Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) to ensure the well-being and convenience of participants while mitigating potential recruitment challenges. Data will be prepared for submission to an appropriate peer-reviewed journal and presentation at relevant academic conferences.