Usage analysis of the nursing activities score in two spanish ICUS

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to analyze the differences in NAS scoring in two Spanish critical care units. Prospective study performed in two polyvalent Spanish ICUs during the months of October and November 2011. Data regarding nursing workload was collected daily in both units for all the patients admitted in the ICU during the study period through the Nursing Activities Score (NAS). Data from 103 patients was collected obtaining 941 NAS measures. Statistically significant differences were found in the collection of the following items: monitoring and titration, hygiene procedures, mobilization and positioning, administrative and managerial tasks and left atrium monitoring (p < .001). Using standardized instruments to measure workload is important in order to be able to compare between different ICU. The NAS scale has several items with an important subjective assessment component. It is important to establish unified assessment criteria so comparisons between units can be made.