Researchers analyzed nurse staffing data in 67 U.S. NICUs in 2008 and 2009. They studied the relationship between nurse understaffing and rates of infection in blood or cerebrospinal fluid culture occurring more than three days after birth among very low-birth-weight infants with a NICU stay of at least three days.
Hospitals understaffed 32 percent of their NICU infants and 92 percent of high-acuity infants relative to guidelines. Infection rates among very low-birth-weight infants were 16.5 percent in 2008 and 13.9 percent in 2009. Understaffing was associated with an increased risk of infection.
More Articles on Nurse Staffing:
Minnesota Hospitals Near Nurse Staffing Agreement With Union
Pennsylvania Senate, House Introduce Nurse-Patient Ratio Bills
Evidence for Nurse-Patient Ratios as Patient Safety Strategy is Limited
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
