What Strategies Can Be Implemented to Manage Increased Acuity?
Effective management of increased patient acuity involves several strategies:
Staff Education and Training: Continuous education on handling complex patient needs and utilizing advanced technology can equip nurses with the skills necessary to manage high-acuity patients. Optimizing Staff Mix: A balanced mix of experienced and novice nurses can improve care delivery. Involving nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists can also enhance patient outcomes. Technology Utilization: Implementing electronic health records (EHRs) and other health technologies can streamline processes, allowing nurses to focus more on direct patient care. Patient-Centered Care: Emphasizing patient-centered care can help in prioritizing the needs of high-acuity patients and ensuring that they receive comprehensive, individualized care. Workload Management: Effective workload management strategies, such as acuity-based staffing and flexible scheduling, can help distribute the nursing workload more evenly.
