Development of a Web-Based Solution for Patient Need-Driven Staffing to Determine Nurse Staffing Requirements
10.11111/jkana.2022.28.3.238
- Author:
Sung-Hyun CHO
1
;
Hyo-Jeong YOON
;
Sun Ju CHANG
;
Ji-Yun LEE
;
Won-Hee SIM
;
Moon-Sook KIM
;
Sung-Cheol YUN
Author Information
1. Professor, College of Nursing, Research Institute of Nursing Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:ORIGINAL ARTICLE
- From:Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing Administration
2022;28(3):238-250
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:To develop a web-based solution for patient need-driven staffing (PNDS) that automatically determines nurses’ staffing requirements.
Methods:Activities provided by nurses in four integrated nursing care wards (INCWs) and non-INCWs each in a tertiary hospital were observed over three days. Nursing hours per patient hour (NHPPH) were calculated by dividing nursing hours by patient stay hours per day. Patient needs were evaluated using 19 items.
Results:The nurse-patient ratios in INCWs and non-INCWs were 1:4.5 and 1:8.1 (including overtime), respectively. Admitted and transferred-in patients had higher NHPPHs than those with continuing stays. The patients were classified into five groups: Group A for admissions and transfers-in, and Groups 1~4 for the remainder. In INCWs, the nurse-patient ratios ranged from 1:5.3 (Group 1) to 1:2.4 (Group 4), and Group A required 1:3.0, the secondhighest level. In non-INCWs, ratios ranged from 1:9.4 (Group 1) to 1:5.2 (Group 4 and Group A). The PNDS solution was developed to determine staffing requirements by classifying patients into five groups using the entered data on patient needs, assigning the group’s NHPPH to each patient, and calculating the staffing ratio required in the unit.
Conclusion:The PNDS is expected to support staffing decisions to meet patient needs.
