Date of Award
Spring 1992
Document Type
Thesis - Restricted
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Weis, Darlene
Second Advisor
Wake, Madeline
Third Advisor
Krause, Carolyn
Abstract
This descriptive study explores the role of patient acuity in assignment decision making. A total of 37 supervisors completed a questionnaire designed to identify the importance of acuity in assignment decision making. The acuity totals of 1403 actual patient assignments were analyzed for workload equity. The study showed that patient acuity was ranked as one of the five most important factors by 89% of the respondents. The mean rank score of acuity was 1.89. Analysis of variance yielded significant overall differences in acuity totals (f= 71.48 p( .0000). Patient acuity, the only variable measured in the study, accounted for only 12% of the total variance of actual assignments. The study indicates that while patient acuity is cognitively valued by supervisors, a variety of factors are processed in decisions regarding workload distribution.
Recommended Citation
Jenks, Debra L., "Patient Care Supervisors' Use of Acuity Data in Assignment Decision Making" (1992). Master's Theses (1922-2009) Access restricted to Marquette Campus. 3306.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/theses/3306