Somehow, we came across a publication called BlueHnews – a publication for hospital administration. One of the lead articles cites a published study from the June issue of the Journal of Medical Care, that found a direct corelation between staffing levels (nurses) and infections among elderly. High staffing levels, lower the number of infections (often a cause of mortality in intensive care settings). Lower staffing levels, and the opposite was true. The study also found the same corelation between staffing levels and pressure ulcers, as well as over all mortality rates.
In conclusion, the Columbia University study stated “improvements in nurse working conditions are necessary for the safety of our nation’s sickest patients.” My thoughts – way to go Columbia, and way to go BlueHNews for telling their readership about such a relevant study.