Marit Helen Andersen1, Kjersti Lønning2, Gudrun Maria Waaler Bjørnelv2, Lisbeth Fagerström3. 1. Division of Cancer Medicine, Surgery and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. 2. Department of Health Management and Health Economics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway. 3. Department of Health Sciences, Buskerud and Vestfold University College, Drammen, Norway.
Abstract
AIM: To compare nursing intensity and nurse staffing costs for liver transplant (LTx) vs. kidney transplant (KTx) patients through the use of the RAFAELA system (the OPCq instrument). BACKGROUND: High-quality patient care correlates with the correct allocation of nursing staff. Valid systems for obtaining data on nursing intensity, in relation to actual patient care needs, are needed to ensure correct staffing. METHODS: A prospective, comparative study of 85 liver and 85 kidney transplant patients. Nursing intensity was calculated using the Oulu Patient Classification (OPCq) instrument. The cost per nursing intensity point was calculated by dividing annual total nursing wage costs with annual total nursing intensity points. RESULTS: The results showed significantly higher nursing intensity per day for liver transplant patients compared to kidney transplant patients. The length of stay was the most important variable in relation to nursing intensity points per day. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated differences in nursing intensity and nurse staffing costs between the two patient groups. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: When defending nurse staffing decisions, it is essential that nurse managers have evidence-based knowledge of nursing intensity and nurse staffing costs.
AIM: To compare nursing intensity and nurse staffing costs for liver transplant (LTx) vs. kidney transplant (KTx) patients through the use of the RAFAELA system (the OPCq instrument). BACKGROUND: High-quality patient care correlates with the correct allocation of nursing staff. Valid systems for obtaining data on nursing intensity, in relation to actual patient care needs, are needed to ensure correct staffing. METHODS: A prospective, comparative study of 85 liver and 85 kidney transplant patients. Nursing intensity was calculated using the Oulu Patient Classification (OPCq) instrument. The cost per nursing intensity point was calculated by dividing annual total nursing wage costs with annual total nursing intensity points. RESULTS: The results showed significantly higher nursing intensity per day for liver transplant patients compared to kidney transplant patients. The length of stay was the most important variable in relation to nursing intensity points per day. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated differences in nursing intensity and nurse staffing costs between the two patient groups. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: When defending nurse staffing decisions, it is essential that nurse managers have evidence-based knowledge of nursing intensity and nurse staffing costs.