Different systems, different costs? An examination of the comparability of workload measurement systems.
This study examines the equivalence of the hours of care estimates of four patient classification/workload measurement systems. Although the hours of care estimates of the systems were similar, differences between the estimates could be as great as 4.53 hours per day for the same patient. The researchers developed relational statements that made hours of care estimates equivalent for all systems studied. System differences can have a profound impact on nursing unit and department budgets, if not adjusted.
O'Brien-Pallas
L
L
Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Cockerill
R
R
Leatt
P
P
D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D009718:Nurse Administrators; D015401:Nursing Administration Research; D009732:Nursing Care / Q000145:classification*; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000191:economics / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D010361:Patients / Q000145:classification*; D010562:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling Information Systems / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D013997:Time Factors; D000078329:Workforce; D016526:Workload