Patient classification in the postanesthesia care unit

A patient classification system is an attempt to measure the intensity of the necessary nursing care or the amount of nursing time required to meet the individual patient's needs. A classification system qualifies and quantifies the nursing workload. To compare or match the patient census and minutes of nursing time with the number of nurse caregivers is insufficient. Severity of illness, age of the patent, and other factors must also be considered when time and effort are distributed to assure quality care.