Re-TIE: a structured approach for implementing the VIPS Framework across the care homes.
Lunchtime Sessions 1
17 November, 2026 1:20 – 2:05 pmElectronic Posters
Tsitsi (Tee) Penicela
Clinical Educator
Royal Star & Garter
Iuliana Hodson
Head of Dementia Services
Royal Star & Garter
Summary
Background:
Person-centred care (PCC) is viewed as the gold standard for dementia care, however, transferring this philosophy of care into practice remain a challenge especially for multi-site organisations. The VIPS Framework is an operational model for PCC based on Values, Individualised care, Perspective and Social Environment. To structure this implementation, Re-TIE was developed for a full piloting in one care home, covering four essential steps of Role establishment, Training, Implementation and Evaluation.
Aims:
1) To provide a structured approach (Re-TIE) which combines both strategic and localised activities within the combined toolkit to support staff in the implementation and evaluation of the VIPS Framework.
Methodology & implementation:
A participatory research approach was applied, with stakeholders engaged as equal partners within the iterative co-production process. A Dementia Working Group was created in each home, bringing together residents, families, staff, and volunteers. Implementation using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle was identified as an ideal model for change. Mixed methods are being utilised to include both qualitative and quantitative data analysis.
A driver diagram was developed based on the four sections of Re-TIE’s key outcomes to clarify the activities:
Role establishment (Re) – included identifying the key roles to facilitate and embed VIPS implementation and practice reviews evaluations using the PORT (Person-centred Observation and Reflection Tool) assessment tool.
Training (T)– of a) key staff identified in the above who received external Dementia specialist training, b) VIPS awareness and engagement with families, c) VIPS workshops for all staff, focusing on each element of the VIPS domains. Currently, in the pilot home; 88% of all staff have been trained and 100% of all key staff have received external Dementia specialist training.
Implementation (I) – currently being piloted in one nursing home using the VIPS implementation toolkit guide which includes; a)VIPS workshop pack & evaluation forms, b) use of life histories and relevant assessments (PAL-Pool Activity Level), c) Monthly PORT assessments, feedback, reflections and actions to improve practice using PDSA cycle and discussed in staff handovers as well as in VIPS Focus group meetings, d)Care Fit for VIPS evaluation tool for key staff.
Evaluation (E) – Pilot project evaluation will be carried out overseen by the VIPS Focus Group initially around domain ‘P’ before cascading to the other homes. The full evaluation will include training records/feedback, audits, feedback from residents/families, above observations and care records. Training feedback so far has been very positive and practice assessments show increased confidence in staff approach and participation in reflective practice.
All three homes have been participating in Re-T (above) except for the pilot home which is proceeding through with IE (above) a full implementation and evaluation in first instance.
The full project evaluation across the homes will be based on I & P in VIPS, planned for September 2027 and again in September 2028 with a full report made to the directorate.
Conclusion:
Piloting the Re-TIE has shown early promise that a structured combined strategic and local approach to change or to enhance cultures is beneficial to the implementation of the VIPS framework. We are hoping the included toolkit within Re-TIE will ease multi-site replication. We plan to share the full findings of the project and provide some clarity for those who are involved in applying theory to practice in improving care of people living with dementia.