The Development of a Patient Classification System for Medical/Surgical Patients in an Acute Care Setting.

摘要

This study was undertaken in an attempt to identify a flexible patient classification system that could be used with confidence as a tool to assist in the determination of nursing care workload. A patient classification system in use at one Naval Regional Medical Center was revised and tested at another naval facility. Indicators of patient dependence on nursing care were identified and four methods were used to determine indicator weights and patient classification. The results of each method were evaluated in comparison with consensus nursing judgment and determined to be essentially equivalent. (Author)