Selected methods of measuring workload among intensive care nursing staff

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Nursing Studies
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Rising hospitalizations in intensive care units (ICUs) are driven by demographic shifts and medical advancements.
• Global nursing staff shortages, compounded by an aging workforce, intensify concerns about workload.
• Effective hospital functioning relies heavily on ICUs and skilled medical personnel.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically review existing methods for measuring the workload of intensive care nurses.
• To identify and discuss the practical applications of various workload measurement tools.
• To synthesize findings from Polish and international literature on nursing workload in ICUs.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of Polish and international research.
• Critical analysis of selected workload measurement methodologies for ICU nurses.
• Evaluation of the practical utility of identified workload indicators.

Main Results:

• Several methods exist for quantifying ICU nurse workload, each with specific strengths and limitations.
• The reviewed literature indicates a growing need for standardized and practical workload assessment tools.
• Understanding workload is crucial for addressing nursing staff retention and well-being.

Conclusions:

• Accurate measurement of intensive care nurse workload is essential for effective resource allocation and staff support.
• The findings provide a foundation for selecting appropriate tools to manage nursing workload in critical care settings.
• Further research is needed to develop and validate novel methods for workload assessment in ICUs.