Weak Correlation Between Perceived and Measured Intensive Care Unit Nursing Workload: An Observational Study

Background: Efficient management of nursing workload in the intensive care unit (ICU) is essential for patient safety, care quality, and nurse well-being. Current ICU-specific workload assessment scores lack comprehensive coverage of nursing activities and perceived workload.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the correlation between ICU nurses' perceived workload and the Nine Equivalents of Nursing Manpower Use Score (NEMS).

Methods: In a 45-bed adult ICU at a tertiary academic hospital, nurses' perceived shift workload (measured with an 11-point Likert scale) was correlated with the NEMS, calculated manually and electronically.

Results: The study included 1734 observations. The perceived workload was recorded for 77.6% of observations. A weak positive correlation was found between perceived and objectively measured workload.

Conclusion: Findings indicate a need to consider the multifaceted nature of nursing activities and individual workload perceptions in the ICU.