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Research published in in the May 2015
issue of the International
Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health suggests that higher nurse-to-patient ratios in hospitals might
reduce nurse injury rates by one-third. A 2004 California law mandating minimal
nurse-to-patient ratios prompted the research. While specific ratios vary
according to context, the standard is approximately 1 nurse for every 5
patients.
“We found that the law was associated
with 55.57 fewer occupational injuries and illnesses per 10,000 registered
nurses per year, a value 32% lower than the expected rate without the law, based
on injury and illness rates before the law was enacted. The corresponding
estimated reduction in injury and illness rates for licensed practical nurses
was 38%,” writes study author Paul Leigh, Ph.D.
While additional research is needed, the authors of the study hypothesize
that improved staffing rations could reduce back and shoulder injuries and needlesticks,
among other hazards.