The use of unlicensed assistive personnel and selected outcome indications

This pilot study examine the satisfaction levels of patients, RNs, and UAPs after implementing a patient care delivery system using UAPs as nurse extenders on a 41-bed short-stay medical-surgical observation unit. It also compared patient fall statistics prior to and after implementing the new care model. The convenience study sample included 40 patients, 15 RNs, and 9 UAPs and covered 2 months of unit experience in mid 1997. Risk management statistics from a comparable period 2 years prior showed no significant difference in the number of patient falls. Patient satisfaction scores on five of the seven regularly collected questions was higher in 1997 than the comparable earlier period. RN satisfaction with the care model using UAPs was above a neutral score of 3 on a 5-point Likert scale on two out of three items, but additional attention to the RN's role in effective delegation to UAPs was needed.