Developing a Nursing Workload Intensity Staffing Model: Evaluating the Perceptions of Nurses and the Effect on...

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Management
• Patient Safety

Background:

• The impact of workload intensity staffing (WIS) models on nursing and patient outcomes remains largely unexplored.
• Understanding this relationship is crucial for optimizing hospital resource allocation and care quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of a newly developed workload intensity staffing (WIS) model on nurse-perceived staffing practices and key patient safety outcomes.
• To evaluate changes in nurse feedback regarding patient distribution and workload incorporation into assignments.

Main Methods:

• A point-based workload intensity tool was created and implemented for adult inpatient care level determination.
• Nurse feedback on staffing was collected before and after WIS implementation.
• Rates of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), and patient falls were monitored.

Main Results:

• Nurses reported no significant change in perceived patient distribution or workload incorporation into assignments post-WIS implementation.
• A statistically significant decrease in overall patient falls per 1000 patient-days was observed after WIS implementation (P=0.010).
• A significant reduction in falls with injury was also noted (P=0.002), while CAUTI and CLABSI rates showed no significant difference.

Conclusions:

• The initial findings suggest that a workload intensity staffing (WIS) model may contribute to a reduction in patient falls.
• While promising for patient safety, the model did not significantly impact infection rates in this study.
• Further investigation is warranted to fully understand the broader implications of WIS models on nurse and patient outcomes.