To explore a workload intensity staffing (WIS) model's effect on nurse and patient outcomes.
Little is known about the relationship between WIS and nurse and patient outcomes.
A point-based workload intensity tool was developed and implemented to determine the level of care for adult inpatients. Before and after implementation, nurses provided feedback on staffing practices. Rates for catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), and patient fall rates were collected.
Nurses indicated that patients were equally distributed among nurses (pre-score mean [M] = 3.7 vs post M = 3.6, P = 0.609) and that patient work intensity was incorporated into patient assignments (pre M = 3.4 vs post M = 3.5, P = 0.717). A significant negative trend was revealed for patient falls per 1000 patient-days (b = -0.063, P = 0.010) with fewer falls post-WIS implementation and a significant decrease in falls with injury (b = -0.085, P = 0.002). There was no significant difference in CAUTI and CLABSI rates for pre- versus post-WIS and WIS implementation.
Although these initial results are promising, more research is needed on WIS and nurse and patient outcomes.
The Journal of nursing administration. 2024 Oct 01 [Epub]
Cynthia Thornton Bacon, Thomas P McCoy, Marjorie Jenkins, JoAnna Gontarz, Amita Mittal
Author Affiliations: Associate Professor (Dr Bacon) and Clinical Professor (Dr McCoy), UNC Greensboro School of Nursing; Director (Dr Jenkins), Nursing Research, Cone Health; and Graduate Research Assistant (Gontarz) and Clinical Associate Professor (Mittal), UNC Greensboro School of Nursing, North Carolina.