Open AccessDeveloping and testing a Korean patient classification system for general wards based on nursing intensity
Author(s) -
Ko Yukyung,
Park Bohyun,
Lee Hanju,
Kim Donghwan
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
nursing open
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.55
H-Index - 12
ISSN - 2054-1058
DOI - 10.1002/nop2.845
Subject(s) - nursing , content validity , medicine , reliability (semiconductor) , staffing , validity , nursing staff , psychometrics , clinical psychology , power (physics) , physics , quantum mechanics
Aim To develop a new general wards patient classification tool based on the nursing intensity level that reflects patients’ clinical characteristics and indirect nursing activities. Design A cross‐sectional design was adopted. This methodological study developed a patient classification system to sort general ward patients based on the intensity of their nursing needs and verified the validity and reliability of this classification system. Methods Thirteen experts verified the tools’ content validity. Data collectors and head nurses classified 150 patients from two hospitals with four general wards and various nurse staffing levels. Inter‐rater reliability was analysed. Staff nurses classified 846 patients following the Korean patient classification system on nursing intensity scores that reflected patients’ clinical status. Content validity was verified based on the classification results. Using K‐group cluster analysis, score ranges for four groups were identified. Results The developed tool includes 8 domains, (symptom management, infection control, nutrition and medication, personal hygiene and secretion, activity, sleep and rest, guidance in nursing/emotional support, nursing activity planning and coordination, indirect activity), 24 subdomains, 66 nursing activities and 124 criteria. Inter‐rater reliability showed high agreement.