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Nursing workload in specialized Semi-intensive Therapy unit: workforce size criteria

Carga de trabajo de enfermería en unidad de cuidados semi-intensivos especializada: criterios para dimensionamiento de personal

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

To assess the nursing workload (NW) in Semi-intensive Therapy Unit, specialized in the care of children with Craniofacial anomalies and associated syndromes; to compare the amount of workforce required according to the Nursing Activities Score (NAS) and the COFEN Resolution 293/04.

METHOD

Cross-sectional study, whose sample was composed of 72 patients. Nursing workload was assessed through retrospective application of the NAS.

RESULTS

the NAS mean was 49.5%. Nursing workload for the last day of hospitalization was lower in patients being discharged to home (p<0.001) and higher on the first compared to last day of hospitalization (p< 0.001). The number of professionals required according to NAS was superior to the COFEN Resolution 293/04, being 17 and 14, respectively.

CONCLUSION

the nursing workload corresponded to approximately 50% of the working time of nursing professional and was influenced by day and outcome of hospitalization. The amount of professionals was greater than that determined by the existing legislation.

Descriptors
Workload; Nursing; Nursing Staff; Cleft Lip; Cleft Palate; Intensive Care Units

Universidade de São Paulo, Escola de Enfermagem Av. Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, 419 , 05403-000 São Paulo - SP/ Brasil, Tel./Fax: (55 11) 3061-7553, - São Paulo - SP - Brazil
E-mail: reeusp@usp.br