Engelsk titel: National norms for staffing in nursing homes
Läs online
Författare:
Bratt, Christopher
;
Gautun, Heidi
Email: christopher.bratt@gmail.com
Språk: Nor
Antal referenser: 22
Dokumenttyp:
Artikel
UI-nummer: 15123845
Sammanfattning
Several recent studies have shown deficiencies in elderly care. Consequently, Norwegian health
authorities are considering the introduction of an explicit norm for the number of staff who should be
at work in nursing homes. In this article, we investigate whether it is possible to quantify a norm for
staffing in nursing homes. We use data from a survey in 2014 among representatives from the
Norwegian Nurses Organisation (N = 242) in nursing homes in 150 municipalities. Data show
substantial variations in the plans for staffing relative to the number of residents. These variations
are not only present between nursing homes, but also between the same kinds of nursing home
departments. Moreover, the representatives’ own views on acceptable staffing vary considerably,
even within the same kind of department. At the same time, departments are often understaffed due to
sick leave. We conclude that the variation in planned staffing and representatives’ views on optimal
staffing cannot provide guidelines for a staffing norm meant to quantify staffing relative to the number
of residents in nursing homes. Instead, appropriate staffing can by ensured by plans taking into
consideration that sick leave is normal and expected.