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An objective standardized acuity tool was developed and implemented to create nurse-patient assignments to improve productivity and clinical outcomes. This acuity tool provided nurses with a method for quantifying patient acuity and receiving credit for the work done on any given shift., Accurate assessment of patient acuity followed by appropriate nurse-patient assignments is critical to ensure patients receive the best quality care and, in turn, the best clinical and overall outcomes (Welton, [...]

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) has a requirement for planned care that can be fulfilled by the nursing care plan or by other methods such as care maps. Standardized care plans can be used, but provision should be made for individualized patient needs. Short- and long-term goals for the patient do not need to be included in the care plans. Questions on standards for the use of patient restraints are also answered.

Federally mandated comprehensive needs assessments for long-term and subacute care patients provide facilities with a sound method for determining and improving the quality of medical care. Needs assessments should begin by collecting all relevant data, followed by a sound data analysis procedure. The analysis process should clearly identify problems and their causes. It must point out all risks and complications that could arise from proposed solutions. Measurable patient goals should be set and a time limit for achieving them established.