A new generation patient classification system

The traditional approaches to monitoring reliability and validity are time consuming and costly and frequently lead to the abandonment of reasonable classification instruments. With the advent of micro computers and relational database software, nursing executives are now able to track reliability and validity on an ongoing basis. Because patient classification data are retained, they can be used to provide more accurate work load predictions and descriptions. Further, the ability to identify the source of problems with unit-specific instruments or nurse classifiers leads to the required corrective mechanism. Increased confidence in the reliability and validity of the work load data provides the staff nurse with direct evidence of the accuracy of the patient classification instrument and the nursing executive with a significantly stronger tool in budget planning and tracking, contract negotiations and financial risk reduction.