Table 1. Percent Reduction in Rates of Outcomes Among Medical Patients in Hospitals with High Nurse Staffing (75th Percentile) Compared to the Rates in Hospitals with Low Nurse Staffing (25th Percentile)
| Outcome in surgical patients |
Amount by which rates are lower for: |
| High RN staffing |
High staffing, all levels (RNs, LPNs, aides) |
| Urinary tract infection |
4-12% |
4-25% |
| Upper gastrointestinal bleeding |
5-7% |
3-17% |
| Hospital-acquired pneumonia |
6-8% |
6-17% |
| Shock or cardiac arrest |
6-10% |
7-13% |
|
Note: Difference is expressed as a range of values (e.g., 4-12 percent) because several statistical models were used in evaluating the relationship between nurse staffing levels and each adverse event.
|
Source: Needleman J, Buerhaus P, Mattke S, et al. Nurse-staffing levels and patient outcomes in hospitals. Final report for Health Resources and Services Administration. Contract No. 230-99-0021. 2001. Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA.
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