Lower patient-to-nurse ratios tied to better patient survival

Editor's Note

This study from the UK found that a patient-to-nurse ratio of no more than six patients per nurse on medical wards was associated with 20% lower patient mortality than when each nurse was responsible for at least 10 patients. Results also showed a 17% reduction in mortality with lower patient-to-nurse ratios on surgical wards.

The findings remained significant when researchers adjusted for patient age, medical condition, and other factors.

The analysis included surveys of 2,917 nurses at 46 hospitals.

Objectives To examine associations between mortality and registered nurse (RN) staffing in English hospital trusts taking account of medical and healthcare support worker (HCSW) staffing. Setting Secondary care provided in acute hospital National Health Service (NHS) trusts in England. Participants Two data sets are examined: Administrative data from 137 NHS acute hospital trusts (staffing measured as beds per staff member).