Clinical journal of oncology nursing
-
Reliable and valid outpatient oncology acuity-based staffing systems are lacking. The existing staffing model in a midwestern cancer center demonstrated inefficiencies related to unpredictable patient flow, treatment regimen complexity, and physician practice variation. ⋯ Resultant changes included scheduled nurse time (preparation, charting, lunch breaks), revised acuity-based patient scheduling, and a revised nursing care delivery model. Implementation of the acuity-based system provided consistent staffing, improved efficiency, reduced overtime, and improved patient and staff satisfaction. Recommendations include adaptation of the acuity-based system to other outpatient settings and development of staffing level benchmarks.