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Nursing intensity and costs of nurse staffing demonstrated by the RAFAELA system: liver vs . kidney transplant recipients
Author(s) -
Andersen Marit Helen,
Lønning Kjersti,
Bjørnelv Gudrun Maria Waaler,
Fagerström Lisbeth
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of nursing management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.925
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1365-2834
pISSN - 0966-0429
DOI - 10.1111/jonm.12384
Subject(s) - nursing , medicine , staffing , nursing management , intensity (physics) , kidney transplant , nursing care , kidney transplantation , kidney , physics , quantum mechanics
Aim To compare nursing intensity and nurse staffing costs for liver transplant ( LT x) vs . kidney transplant ( KT x) patients through the use of the RAFAELA system (the OPC q 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.