Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da USP ()

Aging as a predictor of nursing workload in Intensive Care Unit: results from a Brazilian Sample

  • Renata Eloah de Lucena Ferretti-Rebustini,
  • Lilia de Souza Nogueira,
  • Rita de Cassia Gengo e Silva,
  • Vanessa de Brito Poveda,
  • Selma Pinheiro Machado,
  • Elaine Machado de Oliveira,
  • Rafaela Andolhe,
  • Katia Grillo Padilha

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/s1980-220x2016237503216
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 51, no. 0

Abstract

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Abstract OBJECTIVE Verify if aging is an independent predictor of NW in ICU, according to age groups, and its predictive value as a determinant of NW in ICU. METHODS Study was conducted from 2012 to 2016. A convenience sample composed by patients (age ≥ 18) admitted to nine ICU belonging to a Brazilian hospital, was analyzed. Age was assumed as an independent variable and NW (measured by the Nursing Activities Score - NAS) as dependent. Linear regression model and ROC curve were used for the analysis. RESULTS 890 participants (361 older people), mostly males (58.1%). The mean NAS score was higher among older participants in comparison to adults (p=0.004) but not within categories of aging (p=0.697). Age was responsible for 0.6% of NAS score. Each year of age increases NAS score in 0.081 points (p=0.015). However, age was not a good predictor of NAS score (AUC = 0.394; p=0.320). CONCLUSION The care of older people in ICU is associated with an increase in NW, compared to adults. Aging can be considered an associated factor but not a good predictor of NW in ICU.

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