GRASPing infection: a workload measurement tool for infection control nurses

The GRASP (R) nursing workload management system was used over a five-month period by both the infection control nurses (ICNs) in an infection control team (ICT) in a 1200-bedded university teaching hospital trust. GRASP data were used to quantify and qualify patient and Trust requirements for infec tion control (IC). The results indicated that care was being prioritised as the average daily patient care requirement was 15.9 h, whereas the ICNs we re only able to provide 12.7 h to meet this. Infection control nurses spent 5.3 h dealing with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and only 3.9 h in preparation and delivery of education. A 'fire brigade servi ce' was being provided at the expense of developmental and strategic issues . GRASP provided a method of quantifying, recording and analysing workload. It was used to support recommendations from the Health Quality Service Org anizational Audit (Kings Fund), the Department of Health (DoH), the Nationa l Audit Office (NAO), and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for an incr eased focus on education and risk management in IC. It was also used in a s kill-mix exercise, and resulted in the appointment of additional staffing t o the ICT. GRASP data could be used for benchmarking with other institution s to provide a flexible system which may be adapted to meet the changing de mands of the health service. It provides a means for ICNs to measure and ma nage their workload, and may be adapted to other members of the ICT. (C) 20 01 The Hospital Infection Society.