New software matching nurses and patients in real time

JMcDaniel - 08/12/2010

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Electronic workforce management tools are nothing new; data is invaluable in effectively managing resources. However, when managing nurses, another problem arises: In addition to managing costs and nurse-to-patient ratios, how do you maintain the top priority of meeting a patient's daily needs?

InformationWeek describes API Healthcare's new Patient Classification Solution as a interesting potential next step in optimizing nursing resources. Linking the "acuity" of patients with real time feeds to the schedules and expertise of nurses, the Patient Classification software allows management to adjust nursing schedules with unprecedented short notice. Developed by registered nurses, the system analyzes workload and recommends the most effective combination of nurses' schedules and skills to serve the patient. The needs of patients determine the staffing, ensuring better patient outcomes while maximizing nursing resources.

Will this system of synchronizing patient classification and workforce management tools be the wave of the future? As hospitals consider CPOE with the new EHR meaningful use requirements, does this create another win to that investment?

How is this going to fit into a hospital's planning and implementation procces? Innovate and thrive, or risk becoming overwhelmed by the cascade of new mandates?