Closing wards during summer time and its effects on patients' outcomes

J Nurs Adm. 2010 Oct;40(10):448-53. doi: 10.1097/NNA.0b013e3181f2ecf1.

Abstract

Closure of wards (units) during the summer is a management practice introduced in some Italian hospitals to deal with the national nursing shortage and seasonal staffing patterns. The authors discuss a cross-sectional comparative study that they conducted to assess the effects of this management practice on patient outcomes.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Health Facility Closure*
  • Hospital Bed Capacity*
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Nursing Assistants / supply & distribution
  • Nursing Staff, Hospital / supply & distribution*
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care*
  • Personnel Staffing and Scheduling
  • Seasons