title: Developing a Patient Classification System for a Neonatal ICU.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to develop a valid and reliable patient classification system (PCS) for a neonatal ICU (NICU).
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  PCSs have been widely used to determine required care hours, budgeting, and staffing. There is a lack of and a vital need for a valid and reliable pediatric PCS because of differences in needs and treatment from adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected in a NICU using work sampling, chart reviews, and expert opinion. The resulting PCS was assessed for validity and reliability, ease of use, effectiveness, and satisfaction.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The PCS showed significantly high reliability and validity. Survey scores revealed nurses perceived the tool to be easy to use and effective.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Using subjective and objective methods, a NICU PCS was shown to be a valid and reliable measure to determine the hours per patient day required to provide care.
authors.affiliation: Author Affiliations: Assistant Professor (Dr Daraiseh), Research in Patient Services and James M. Anderson Center for Health Systems Excellence; Project Manager (Mr Vidonish and Ms Keissling), Center for Professional Excellence; Statistician, Research in Patient Services (Ms Lin), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Ohio.
authors.forename: Nancy M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Daraiseh
authors.forename: William P
authors.initials: WP
authors.lastname: Vidonish
authors.forename: Pam
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kiessling
authors.forename: Li
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lin
mesh_terms: D006776:Hospitals, Pediatric; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007297:Inpatients / Q000145:classification*; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D015146:Midwestern United States; D020380:Needs Assessment; D015588:Observer Variation; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D000078329:Workforce