title: Developing a patient classification system for the pediatric rehabilitation setting.
abstract: Patient classification systems can be valuable tools for identifying trends in acuity and for justifying budgeted nursing care hours. A valid and reliable patient classification system can greatly facilitate the delivery of cost-effective, high-quality care. However, the more highly specialized the institutional population, the more difficult it becomes to use a standardized system. In this article, the authors address the development of a patient classification system for a postacute rehabilitation pediatric facility. Included is a discussion of the various pilot phases, the implications for clinical nursing practice, and the impact on family-centered care.
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients / Q000145:classification*; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D010371:Pediatric Nursing; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013996:Time and Motion Studies; D016526:Workload