A DUTCH PATIENT CLASSIFICATION-SYSTEM FOR COMMUNITY CARE

In the Netherlands, a prototype patient classification system for comm unity nursing has been developed to enhance planning, budgeting, and q uality of care. This patient classification system encompasses three p arameters: type of care needed, expected number of home visits, and th e total length of service. The authors describe the classification sys tem and present the results of an evaluation study. Nurses stated that the instrument was useful for determining the demand for care, staffi ng needs, and work load. Although not all results were positive, the s ystem currently is recommended for use as a long-term planning instrum ent.