Comparison of Nursing dependency levels and sizing between clinical and surgical inpatient units

Abstract

Objective to compare the level of dependence on nursing care and staffing between clinical and surgical inpatient units. Method This is a descriptive, retrospective study carried out in four inpatient units of a large university hospital in southern Brazil. A total of 7,486 patient classification records were included between January and October 2022. Descriptive statistical analysis, demand for nursing hours, staff projections, and the chi-square test were used. Results Intermediate care (40.2%) and semi-intensive care (40.8%) patients prevailed, with a difference between the units (p-value<0.001). There was a shortage of nurses in all the units. In one clinical unit, the projected number of nursing technicians/assistants was the same as the number available (n=46). In two units, there was a slight to moderate surplus of mid-level staff. The surgical inpatient unit with the best classification rate (92.3%) showed the greatest discrepancy between the prescribed and actual sizing. Conclusion and implications for practice the units were highly dependent on nursing care. When also considering occupancy rates and adherence to patient classification, it is plausible that one of the clinical units has the highest demand for care.