Rationing of Nursing Care: An International and Multidimensional Problem

Abstract

Rationing of nursing care occurs when resources are insufficient to provide necessary care to all patients. This may be a result of reduced staff numbers, skill mix variation, increased demands for care or a changing patient profile. It is a result of a policy decision making by nurse managers who are faced with reduced resources while striving to provide care, rather than by policy makers, and often involves choices, which impact on care delivery and patient safety. Under the auspices of Working Group #4 in COST Action 15208—Rationing Nursing Care: an international and multidimensional problem, is developing a consensus work on the construction of a Guide for Nursing Managers called Promoting patient safety through minimizing missed nursing care. This work has been conducted in several stages. It was started with the development of a proposal and at this time has been discussed in several scientific nursing events throughout Europe. The task will be complete for publication by the end of 2020.