Analysis of the need for nursing staff in inpatient rooms based on the douglas formula: A case study at a private hospital in Sidoarjo, Indonesia

Abstract

This study was conducted to analyze the need for nursing staff based on patient dependency level using the Douglas formula. A descriptive-analytical design was used and the sample size was 2,938 patients taken by total sampling. The instrument used was a patient dependency level scale adapted from the self-care deficit theory by Dorothea Orem, categorized into three, namely minimal, partial, and total care. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, and needs for nursing were assessed with the Douglas formula. The results showed that 50% of inpatient rooms had less than the required number of nursing staff, specifically pediatric and adult rooms. Meanwhile, NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), as well as rooms C, D, and ICU (Intensive Care Unit) had more nursing staff than needed. These results implied that the number of nursing staff was not evenly distributed, underscoring the need for an increase based on patient dependency level, to optimize care.