Abstract
In this paper, we review the literature on nursing workload in intensive care units (ICUs) and its impact on patient safety and quality of working life of nurses. We then propose a conceptual framework of ICU nursing workload that defines causes, consequences and outcomes of workload. We identified four levels of nursing workload (ICU/unit level, job level, patient level, and situation level), and discuss measures associated with each of the four levels. A micro-level approach to ICU nursing workload at the situation level is proposed and recommended in order to reduce workload and mitigate its negative impact. Performance obstacles are conceptualized as causes of ICU nursing workload at the situation level.
Publication types
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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Attitude to Health
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Ergonomics / methods*
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Ergonomics / psychology
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Health Services Needs and Demand
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Humans
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Intensive Care Units / organization & administration*
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Job Satisfaction
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Medical Errors / methods
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Medical Errors / nursing
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Medical Errors / prevention & control
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Medical Errors / psychology
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Models, Nursing
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Models, Organizational
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Nurse's Role
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Nursing Administration Research / organization & administration
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Nursing Staff, Hospital / organization & administration*
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Nursing Staff, Hospital / psychology
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Occupational Health
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Outcome Assessment, Health Care / organization & administration
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Personnel Staffing and Scheduling / organization & administration
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Quality of Health Care
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Quality of Life
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Safety Management / organization & administration*
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Workload* / psychology
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Workplace / organization & administration
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Workplace / psychology