Nurse Staffing and Psychotropic Drug Use in VA Hospitals
Author Information
Author(s): Shorr Ronald, Lo-Ciganic Wei-Hsuan, Hahm Bridget, Gamble Julia, Powell-Cope Gail, Luther Stephen, Yang Seonkyeong
Primary Institution: Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Hypothesis
The impact of nurse staffing on PRN psychotropic drug use is unclear.
Conclusion
Nurse staffing levels were not associated with PRN psychotropic use in VA hospitals.
Supporting Evidence
- The study analyzed data from 166 nursing units over a five-year period.
- PRN psychotropic use was consistent across different nursing staffing levels.
- The average nursing hours per patient day varied significantly among units.
Takeaway
This study looked at how many nurses are on duty and how it affects the use of certain medications in hospitals. It found that having more nurses doesn't change how often these medications are used.
Methodology
Data from 166 nursing units in VA hospitals was analyzed using multivariable mixed modeling.
Participant Demographics
25.8% of veterans were aged ≥75, 95.3% were male.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.27
Statistical Significance
p=0.27
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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