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Can we measure how changes in the nursing workforce affect patient care?
1Acute Hospital Portfolio, Healthcare Commission, Finsbury Tower, London, UK. barbara.fittall@healthcarecommission.org.uk
Journal of Nursing Management
|October 29, 2004
Summary
Hospital ward staffing has changed significantly over 30 years, impacting patient care. This study explores workforce changes, available research, and future information needs for effective resource allocation.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Nursing Workforce Studies
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Ward staff represent the largest hospital workforce group and budget.
- Significant changes in ward workforce composition have occurred over the past 30 years.
- The impact of these workforce changes on patient care remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the reasons behind changes in the hospital ward workforce.
- To review existing research on the relationship between staffing and patient outcomes.
- To identify the nature of research and information required for future workforce planning.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on healthcare workforce changes.
- Analysis of factors influencing ward staff composition.
- Examination of data from the Audit Commission (2000) and Healthcare Commission.
Main Results:
- The study identifies various drivers for workforce evolution.
- Existing research highlights a complex relationship between staffing resources and patient care outcomes.
- Gaps in current knowledge necessitate further investigation into specific workforce-outcome links.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the link between hospital staffing levels and patient outcomes is crucial for future healthcare planning.
- Further research is needed to quantify the impact of specific workforce changes on patient care quality and safety.
- The findings inform ongoing reviews by bodies like the Healthcare Commission regarding workforce effectiveness.