Wallet F, Bonnet A, Thiriaud V, Caillet A, Piriou V, Vacheron CH, Friggeri A, Dziadzko M.
J Nurs Care Qual. 2024 Jul-Sep;39(3):E39-E45.
doi: 10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000774. Epub 2024 May 3.
PMID: 38780353
Abstract
Background:
Efficient management of nursing workload in the intensive care unit (ICU) is essential for patient safety, care quality, and nurse well-being. Current ICU-specific workload assessment scores lack comprehensive coverage of nursing activities and perceived workload.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to assess the correlation between ICU nurses’ perceived workload and the Nine Equivalents of Nursing Manpower Use Score (NEMS).
Methods:
In a 45-bed adult ICU at a tertiary academic hospital, nurses’ perceived shift workload (measured with an 11-point Likert scale) was correlated with the NEMS, calculated manually and electronically.
Results:
The study included 1734 observations. The perceived workload was recorded for 77.6% of observations. A weak positive correlation was found between perceived and objectively measured workload.
Conclusion:
Findings indicate a need to consider the multifaceted nature of nursing activities and individual workload perceptions in the ICU.
