Comparison of patient classification systems for dimensioning nursing staff.

Abstract

To compare nursing staff workload and dimensioning measured by two patient classification systems. Cross-sectional study, developed in a clinical inpatient unit of a large hospital in southern Brazil, between June and August 2022. Included patients (n = 260) were assessed through two different patient classification systems. The dimensioning calculation provided by the standard and descriptive statistics were applied. Of the total number of patients, 1,248 classifications were performed with each of the classification systems. One of the instruments showed a concentration of demand for minimal care (54.5%) and the other for intermediate care (63.4%). The anticipation of required nursing hours was discrepant (235.58 and 298.16 hours), as well as the projected nursing staff, which was of 53 and 67 workers, respectively. Measurement of workload and dimensioning were different when using two patient classification systems in the same sample. Additional accuracy studies shall be carried out.