Patient classification system
Patient classification system offers a method through which the needs of the patients in relation to relevant nursing care are quantitatively estimated and assessed. The systems include prototype and factor systems of classification. A prototype system is normally both descriptive and subjective and patients are broadly classified into categories that are used in prediction of their care needs. The basis of diagnosing the care needs is patient’s DRG (diagnosis- related group) (Yoder-Wise, 2014). The collected data are put into a system that supports decision making and integrates relevant information of the patients, including financial and clinical data. The factor system of evaluation is normally more objective, in that every thought process, tasks or care activity of the patient is issued a rating or time. After this association is done, they are then totaled to establish the required periods of direct care and in some instances the association are weighted for every patient. A definition and name are given to every intervention, after which further classification is made to integrate all the relevant interventional activities (Yoder-Wise, 2014).
The interventional activities are listed in a way that all patients can understand and apply in the intended care. The relevant organizations use various systems combined together in an objective and effective way to provide support needed, improve the needed care and in controlling costs so that financial resources can effectively and appropriately be used. The systems assist the organizations bottom-line managing in an environment that involves reimbursements and various risks. Getting resources needed to offer quality care to the patient is a big responsibility charged to the nurse leaders and they require information that is accurate since budgeting occurs in a political environment (Harper & McCully, 2007). The need for the leaders to control costs, use available financial resources and at the same time enhancing the patients care cannot be understated. The administrators in health care organizations are constantly reviewing their budgets and the amount of time a patient need so as to facilitate the financial security. Moreover, changes in the methods of reimbursement of hospital services by Medicaid or Medicare programs and insurance firms have made leads to change the manner of patient care management (Harper & McCully, 2007). This highlights the need for patient care systems in helping to contain costs and check the utilization of resources. Managers are able to track the expenses incurred in providing health care. The systems are also important in assisting a leader in nursing healthcare to find out requirements and needs in the staffing process. This enables the leader to address the necessary patient –care ratios in every department and even in the prediction of such needs on the basis of system being used (Harper & McCully, 2007).
There are many problems associated with the systems used in patient classification with the basic issue that concerns the administrators relating to reliability and validity of information obtained through mechanism of self-reporting. This result from failure to affirm that the information used in patient classification has been captured effectively (Harper & McCully, 2007). This may happen if there is no enough education required in completing the tool in the right manner, especially if there is not computerization of the system. In addition, the inability of the leaders in the organization to meet the require levels of staffing highlighted as per the classification data in the systems works towards it. The concern by leaders involves the risk of liability if the staff recommendations as per the systems are not followed. The issue of accuracy of potentially biased data and the failure to achieve the required levels of staffing has led to abandonment of the system by the organization in establishing the appropriate level (Yoder-Wise, 2014).
The issue of patient acuity is very significant in providing care and safety of patients, and presumably, a rise in acuity means that additional nursing resources are required in provision of safe care. Findings from various researches done on the use of patient classification systems have not been consistent (Barton, 2009). Various issues such as design bring about such differences which leave a room for deriving a better understanding of the relationship between the systems, patient safety and nursing outcomes. However, some systems are simple enough to making them unique and leading to positive nursing outcomes. The differentiation of patient characteristics makes it easier to manage clients since all the patients cannot be cared by one nurse. The information collected and related nurse-patient assignment leads to a better likelihood that positive outcomes will be achieved due to a careful balance between the needs of care patients with skill mix and nurse workload (Hopfe, 2015). Having the appropriate nurses with the desired competences and skills combination that are directed to the appropriate patient and the right time is important in helping obtain patient safety and care. Where needs are evaluated using valid and reliable data, consistency can be achieved on the part of the patients while at health care facilities (Hopfe, 2015). Nursing may be able to learn more about their patients through this system.
References
Barton, A. (2009). Patient safety and quality: an evidence-based handbook for nurses. Aorn Journal, 90(4), 601-602.
Yoder-Wise, P. S. (2014). Leading and managing in nursing. St. Louis, Mo: Elsevier Mosby. 266-268
Harper, K., & McCully, C. (2007). Acuity systems dialogue and patient classification system essentials. Nursing administration quarterly, 31(4), 284-299.
Hopfe, M., Stucki, G., Marshall, R., Twomey, C. D., Üstün, T. B., & Prodinger, B. (2015). Capturing patients’ needs in casemix: a systematic literature review on the value of adding functioning information in reimbursement systems. BMC health services research, 16(1), 40.
