The development and piloting of electronic standardized measures on nursing work: combining engineering and nursing knowledge.

AIMS This paper describes the development and piloting of electronic standardized measures on nursing work (e-SMNW) for rich data gathering on the work and work environment of registered nurses (RNs) and practical nurses (PNs). BACKGROUND Efficient and valid methods are needed to measure nursing work to enhance the optimal use of the nursing workforce for safe patient care. METHODS The study combined human factors engineering (HFE) and nursing knowledge to develop electronic standardized measures for observational studies on nursing work in acute care. RESULTS The work and work environment of RNs and PNs in acute care medical and surgical inpatient units was successfully measured using e-SMNW. With predetermined items of work activities and influencing factors in the work of nurses, and full use of computer technology, multi-layered rich standardized data were gathered, analysed and displayed. CONCLUSIONS The combination of nursing knowledge, HFE and computer technology enables observational data collection for a rich picture of the complex work of nursing. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT Information collected by standardized and multi-layered measures makes it easier to identify potential improvements, with regard to influencing factors and management of the work and work environment of nurses. Further use of computer technology in health services research is encouraged.