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Informational/Educational Report
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Productivity and acuity tool for wound care and hyperbaric centers Valerie Larson-Lohr, Patrick N. Kimbrell, MD Problem: The unique workload and patient acuity in wound care and hyperbaric centers frequently leaves staffing to subjective interpretation. The lack of objective data makes it difficult to determine departmental budgets and appropriately match staffing patterns to patient acuity Overview: In 2003 we published the first report of the initial tool developed to assess acuity and productively in wound care and hyperbaric centers. Patient classifications were created to define acuity based on disease and associated procedures. The initial tool had 38 distinct indicators identified for wound care and 22 for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The tool was tested further in urban and rural wound care centers in 2004. Additional distinct indicators were identified. These indicators were timed and weighted and returned to the field for further testing. The revised tool has over 500 patient acuity days in testing and has been examined for content validity and clinical applicability Conclusion: The revised acuity and productivity tool has demonstrated accuracy in determining patient acuity and staff productivity within Wound Care and Monoplace Hyperbaric Centers and has shown to support appropriate staffing levels. Larson-Lohr V. Productivity and acuity tool for wound care and hyperbaric medical centers. UHM. 2003;30(4):271Ð275. |
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