A Dutch patient classification system for community care

In the Netherlands, a prototype patient classification system for community nursing has been developed to enhance planning, budgeting, and quality of care. This patient classification system encompasses three parameters: type of care needed, expected number of home visits, and the total length of service. The authors describe the classification system and present the results of an evaluation study. Nurses stated that the instrument was useful for determining the demand for care, staffing needs, and work load. Although not all results were positive, the system currently is recommended for use as a long-term planning instrument.