Optimization techniques: industrial production tools with applications in nurse staffing efficiency research.

Registered nurses (RNs) are one of many inputs that produce patient outcomes at some level of quality for a price. Optimal levels of any input are those that produce the most efficient outcome with relation to quality and cost. Through the use of optimization techniques, efficient staffing levels can be calculated to either minimize negative outcomes or maximize positive outcomes. Thus, the value of RNs can be established empirically and be precisely measured against other staffing inputs.