Dr Julie Attfield
NHS Foundation Trust, UK
Title: Action research: Learning about safe staffing levels across 69 mental health wards in a U.K NHS Trust
Biography
Biography: Dr Julie Attfield
Abstract
This research examines the process undertaken to systematically review nurse staffing levels across a range of mental health and learning disability inpatient services. The process have involved implementing the UK National Quality Board recommendations for reviewing safe staffing, being part of the Carter Review of Efficiency and Productivity pilot for community and mental health Trusts in the U.K and use of the Hurst Tool to review and benchmark staffing. The research articulates the process undertaken by way of a case study approach. It highlights the strengths and limitations of applying generic staffing guidance into mental health and learning disability wards. It articulates the learning from the analysis of staffing, rostering practice and improvements made in this area over a 12 month period. There is an analysis of variation between staffing levels established via long standing and accepted professional judgement and that which takes account of acuity, direct care levels and quality of care measures.