The development of a district nursing caseload review tool.

Abstract

District Nursing (DN) caseloads are increasingly unwieldy. ( Queen's Nursing Institute, 2016 ). They can also be difficult to manage due to the unpredictability and increasing complexity of the patient's needs. It is an essential component of DN teams that caseloads are reviewed on a regular basis to support the delivery of efficient, effective and safe patient care. This article illustrates how a caseload review tool was developed, which would standardise the process in all teams, analyse and monitor the outcomes, identify any trends and themes and give assurance that DN caseloads were productive and safe. The testing, piloting and evaluation of the DN caseload review tool was over a period of 12 months and included 35 DN teams across the Trust. The method used was standardised and systematic, in order to ensure that the results were consistent across the pilot site. It also allowed for standardised challenges to be made by the reviewers, ensuring that the process was efficient and meaningful, the outcomes measured and documented and the clinical systems updated appropriately. Results from the initial reviews have been positive. They have produced both qualitative and quantitative data, which has supported further development of the tool. In addition, actions and outcomes identified for individual patients have been documented and addressed, where possible, at local level. A governance process is in place which supports unaddressed challenges, themes and trends. The conclusion of the pilot has confirmed that this process is valid and will continue to be used within the organisation.