Transfer of patients in hospital units: impacts on nursing workload

ABSTRACT Objective: To measure the average time spent by nursing team in transferring patients; to compare activities observed during performance of this intervention with those described Nursing Interventions Classification and investigate intensity its influence on workload. Method: Observational study using timekeeping software conducted two hospitals northwest region State São Paulo. 200 patient transfers were monitored validated instruments. Results: The nurses ranged from 9.3 (standard deviation = 3.5) 12.2 2.5) minutes assistants/ technicians between 7.1 2,8) 11.0 2.2) minutes. 63 made 87 assistants/technicians considered qualified (>70% score). expended 19.3 29% working day intervention. Conclusion: transfer patients has an impact workload needs be measurement for calculation distribution personnel improve quality continuity care.