Weighted staffing plans for better prediction of staffing needs.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of patient turnover and acuity on worked hours per patient day (WHPPD).

Background: An examination of staffing plans publically posted by Massachusetts hospitals with more than 300 beds revealed that less than 40% were within 5% of their planned versus actual WHPPD.

Methods: Three years of WHPPD data collected from 14 adult acute care units were correlated with patient turnover and acuity data.