Adaptation of acuity scales in the ambulatory infusion setting Meeting Abstract
| Authors: | Andronico, J.; Uporsky, J.; Rambone, M.; Drew, A.; Kusche, N.; Kubek, D. |
| Abstract Title: | Adaptation of acuity scales in the ambulatory infusion setting |
| Meeting Title: | 47th Annual Congress of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) |
| Abstract: | Oncology healthcare has shifted to the outpatient setting resulting in acute patients requiring more skilled nursing care. Staffing models have not reflected this transition which has led to increased nursing burnout, inadequate staffing, and patient dissatisfaction. At an NCI-designated cancer center, a team of nurses, nurse leader and clinical nurse specialist searched to find the best acuity scale to utilize in the outpatient infusion setting. This presentation will describe the comprehensive literature review, development and pilot of an acuity scale dedicated to the outpatient infusion setting. This customized scale can be used to measure patient acuity, determine staffing needs, and ultimately increase patient and nurse satisfaction. A literature search was conducted using several databases and assistance from the institutions librarian. A total of 15 articles were included and additional data was collected from various cancer institutions. Outcomes showed value and success when an acuity scale was used every day for staffing. The group took 3 validated acuity scales and merged them into 1 scale by combining a numeric scale from a pulmonary inpatient unit, full time equivalent (FTE) line from an intensity tool and an acuity-based scheduling template for infusions. The table is filled out in 2 parts and a numeric value is computed, which aligns with an acuity score and FTE line. The treating nurse assigns numeric values to remaining categories. The charge nurse can use to create assignments, determine staffing needs, and create better patient experiences. A small pilot of the tool was implemented to evaluate its accuracy with the outpatient infusion patient population. 61 charts were audited, and the scale was used to determine each patient's level of acuity. Results from the pilot showed 41% of patients fell in level 3 and 26% fell in level 4 acuity range. The scale is currently being reviewed by nursing research and pending institutional review board approval. Oncology patients should have individualized care specific to their needs. Each patient's level of care can be reflected through the utilization of a daily acuity scale. This can be a valuable tool for several health care settings. Utilization of these scales can lead to positive outcomes such as patient and nurse satisfaction, accurate staffing models, balanced unit productivity and decrease nursing burnout. |
| Keywords: | infusions, intravenous; ambulatory care facilities; california; instrument construction; congresses and conferences -- california; instrument adaptation; patient classification -- evaluation |
| Journal Title: | Oncology Nursing Forum |
| Volume: | 49 |
| Issue: | 2 |
| Meeting Dates: | 2022 Apr 27-May 1 |
| Meeting Location: | Anaheim, CA |
| ISSN: | 0190-535X |
| Publisher: | Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) |
| Date Published: | 2022-03-01 |
| Start Page: | 16 |
| End Page: | 17 |
| Language: | English |
| DOI: | 10.1188/22.Onf.E1 |
| PROVIDER: | EBSCOhost |
| PROVIDER: | cinahl |
| PUBMED: | 35191904 |
| DOI/URL: | |
| Notes: | Meeting Abstract: 027 -- in PDF named "2022 ONS Congress Podium Abstracts" -- Source: Cinahl |
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