The Effects of Implementing a Patient Acuity Tool on Nurse Satisfaction in a Pulmonary Medicine Unit

Abstract

In response to nurses' concerns of equity and satisfaction with patient assignments in a pulmonary medicine unit, a Patient Acuity Tool (PAT) was implemented. The impact of the PAT on nurse satisfaction and perceived equity of patient assignments was measured using a pre-/postsurvey design. Findings of the investigation indicate that a PAT supports nurse satisfaction and equity. In addition, qualitative data suggested that the PAT improved perceived professional autonomy and nurse-to-nurse communication.

Acuity, nurse staffing and workforce, missed care and patient outcomes: A cluster‐unit‐level descriptive comparison

“…In the context of nursing shortage and financial struggling, social value given to nursing, changes in care models, work environments and organisational approaches are factors influencing intensification of care and care rationing (Blackman et al., 2018). Increased patient acuity and its eventual effects on MNC and patient outcomes might benefit from the use of acuity measurement tools based on patient attributes and nurses’ clinical judgement (Firestone‐Howard, Zedreck Gonzalez, Dudjak, Ren, & Rader, 2017), such as the patient classification system employed in this study. Likewise, the analysis of patient acuity and outcomes, along with RN staffing and MNC data, may contribute to reinforce the concept of RN, no longer as task performers, but as a knowledge‐based workforce (Leary & Punshon, 2019).…”

Association between ambulatory status and call bell use in hospitalized patients—A retrospective cohort study

“…In line with these examples, there is growing recognition that mobility should be included as part of patient acuity assessments. Several recent studies have begun to explore the inclusion of patient mobility or general descriptors of level of assistance required to mobilize patients (Chiulli, Thompson, & Reguin‐Hartman, ; Firestone‐Howard, Zedreck Gonzalez, Dudjak, Ren, & Rader, ; Sobaski, ). For example, nurses from Duke Raleigh Hospital developed and validated a comprehensive patient acuity tool that included clinical severity indicators and nurse workload indicators (Chiulli et al, ).…”

A New Patient Acuity Tool to Support Equitable Patient Assignments in a Progressive Care Unit

“…This argument is echoed within multiple studies; staffing decisions must be informed by the acuity of the patient as they affect both workload and patient outcomes. 1,4,5 Acuity-based staffing ratios are not a new concept within health care. Currently, there are 14 states that have legislation addressing nurse-to-patient ratios and/or reporting accountability regarding nurse staffing in hospitals.…”

“…While it is noted that some states mandate staffing ratios, these ratios do not necessarily support the specific needs of each individual patient. 5 Legislative mandates that create fixed nurse-to-patient ratios have been criticized by health care providers for failing to address patient acuity that results in unbalanced workloads among nursing staff members and thus unsafe care for patients. 4 Kidd et al 7 designed and implemented a patient acuity tool (PAT) in a progressive care unit within their hospital.…”