Deciding on the optimal number of beds for an acute care unit requires the consideration of elements including how the unit fits with existing and adjacent structures; how clinical information systems will be used in unit operations; nursing workforce characteristics; patient safety; and advocacy. A balanced scorecard approach is outlined.
To provide a strategy for determining the optimal size and number of beds for an acute care unit.
There were no methods outlined in this opinion piece. Relevant literature was used to support considerations important to unit design and a framework to facilitate decision-making was proposed.
This was not a research paper. Recommendations included suggestions for consideration when designing acute care units that include the role of clinical information systems, nursing workforce implications, patient safety, and consumer considerations. Furthermore, a balanced scorecard approach was put forward to include quality elements, financial elements, patient outcomes and provider outcomes. This decision-making tool may help designers approach unit design from a holistic perspective.
While evidence was used to support most of the recommendations in this article, further research is needed to inform optimal unit size and number of acute care unit beds on a unit.