Patient intensity in an ambulatory oncology research center: A step forward for the field of ambulatory care

In part one of this three-part series the authors discuss the current thinking in acuity/intensity tools and outline the process that one organization pursued to develop their own Ambulatory Intensity System (AIS). Based upon a review of the literature and current industry practices, the group pursued the development of a patient intensity system that reflected both the severity of patient illness/need and the complexity of service required in the, clinic setting. Direct and indirect care measures, patient outcomes, performance improvement opportunities, and staff satisfaction were also addressed in the process. The staff satisfaction data revealed the value that the staff derived through the tool. Specifically, the staff gained the ability to articulate patient needs and distinguish between system and staffing issues while the charge nurse gained the ability to make dynamic staffing assignments.