Sammanfattning
Purpose: To investigate whether a systematic use of a patient classification system is suitable
for correctly dimensioning the staffing and additionally documenting nurses’ overall
workload. Method: An observational study of all patients admitted at a medical department
at the Hospital of Southwest Jutland in the period 01.04.2009–31.12.2013. Data were
collected by nurses using patient classification categories on a daily basis. Results: The
number of patients in need of care from at least two employees (category 3 and 4) increased
in the registration period. In the Section of Nephrology/Endocrinology (NE) a larger number
of patients were rated to intensity category 2 (care from ≥1 employees) compared to the
Section of Cardiology (Ca) (p<0.003). Additionally, patients rated to category 4 occurred
more frequent in the NE compared with the Ca (p <0.001). The number of discharged
patients were larger at Ca compared to NE during the period (p<0.002). Conclusion: Systematic
patient classification may provide a retrospective overview of correctly dimensioned
staffing and thus be a tool for use in work scheduling. The patient classification system
should be adjusted when used in different hospital departments; however, the
classification system does not provide an overview of the nurse's overall workload.