Nurse staffing and skill mix patterns: Are there differences in outcomes?

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact on patient outcomes of nurse staffing and registered nurse (RN) skill mix patterns used by medical-surgical units in California hospitals after enactment of nurse-to-patient staffing ratio laws, and determine if there are differences in patient outcomes for conditions that are considered sensitive to nursing care. Results from this study demonstrated an association between total nursing hours per patient day (NHPPD) and two outcomes: urinary tract infections (UTI) and length of stay (LOS). A stronger association was observed between the RN proportions of the total nursing hours of care and the same outcomes. The higher the total NHPPD and RN proportion, the lower the LOS and the lower the odds of hospitalized patients' developing UTI.

• Authors: Salvador J Esparza, James S Zoller, Andrea Weatherby White, Martha E F Highfield
• Journal: Journal of healthcare risk management : the journal of the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management (J Healthc Risk Manag) Vol. 31 Issue 3 Pg. 14-23 ( 2012) ISSN: 2040-0861 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 22359259 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2012 American Society for Healthcare Risk Management of the American Hospital Association.

Topics

• California (epidemiology)
• Clinical Competence
• Hospital Units (organization & administration)
• Humans
• Length of Stay (statistics & numerical data)
• Nursing Staff, Hospital (organization & administration, supply & distribution)
• Outcome Assessment, Health Care
• Personnel Staffing and Scheduling
• Risk Factors
• Risk Management
• Urinary Tract Infections (epidemiology, nursing)