Schneider Institutes for Health Policy
Research Publication Summary
| Citation: | Lewis KK (2005). Nurse-to-Patient Ratios: Research and Reality. Issue Brief No. 25. Waltham, MA: The Massachusetts Health Policy Forum, Schneider Institute for Health Policy, Heller School, Brandeis University, and Health Care for All, Citizens Programs Corporation; March 30. No. 25. |
| Abstract The Massachusetts state legislature is considering a number of approaches to address patient safety including a law establishing minimum registered nurse (RN) staffing ratios in the hospital setting. California is the only state that requires specific minimum nurse-to-patient ratios in acute care hospitals, but regulations are less stringent than those proposed in Massachusetts. Proponents argue that minimum staffing ratios will improve patient safety and the ability to recruit and retain nurses, while opponents warn that the costs associated with mandated ratios could reduce patient access to care. Policy makers and legislators feel compelled to address the very real problem of patient safety and are considering whether minimum nurse-to-patient ratios are a feasible solution. Researchers have found that an increased number of RNs is associated with lower mortality, shorter length of hospital stay, and lower rates of urinary tract infections, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, pneumonia and shock/cardiac arrest, as well as fewer adverse outcomes for surgical patients. Nevertheless, research is limited by available data and the difficulty of identifying patient outcomes sensitive to nursing care. Consequently, researchers have been unable to identify the ideal nurse-to-patient ratio, which may be dependent upon a host of variables including patient, nurse, and hospital characteristics. | |
| More Information: | MHPF/ |
| Research Area: | Acute and Chronic Health Care |
| Core Competencies: | Organizations, Costs & Value, Quality |
