Nursing Leaders Challenge Ratios, Embrace Virtual Care Innovations

Nursing leaders at Providence and Trinity Health are re-evaluating the relevance of traditional nurse-to-patient ratios in light of advancing virtual nursing services. Research indicates that these virtual models can enhance communication and quality of care without adhering to conventional ratios. Cynthia Salisbury from Providence argues that focusing on ratios may stifle innovation, as healthcare confronts challenges like higher acuity cases and nursing shortages. Trinity Health's TogetherTeam program illustrates this shift, implementing a hybrid staffing approach that combines in-person and virtual roles to better meet patient needs.

Opens on Becker's Hospital Review