Complete the table below
| Topic of Interest: | Using Mathematical Modeling to Improve the Emergency Department Nurse-Scheduling Process | |||
| Research Article: Include full citation in APA format, as well as link or search details (such as DOI) | Svirsko, A. C., Norman, B. A., Rausch, D., & Woodring, J. (2019). Using mathematical modeling to improve the emergency department nurse-scheduling process. Journal of emergency nursing, 45(4), 425-432. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jen.2019.01.013 | |||
| Professional Practice Use: One or more professional practice uses of the theories/concepts presented in the article | Mathematical modeling can be used to satisfy the preference of nurses based on shift hours allocated. The approach uses a self-scheduling process so that nurses can select day or night shifts based on their preferences. However, to ensure that nurses attend all shifts, a cycle of rotation is made weekly so that those nurses scheduled for night shift in one week take day shifts in the following week. The concept of modeling serves to address time at the emergency department. Implementation of the nursing shift patterns as defined by a mathematical formula decreases the time needed by leadership to reconcile monthly schedule in a health facility. Therefore, sufficient time will be allocated for care at the emergency department and not used to solve conflicts arising due to unbalanced shift hours among nurses. | |||
| Research Analysis Matrix Add more rows if necessary | Strengths of the Research | Limitations of the Research | Relevancy to Topic of Interest | Notes |
| It is based on detailed analysis of the concept of mathematical modeling and therefore enhances clarity for better understanding. | No randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted on this research which means the article relies on meta-analysis for information. This means data is limited in this research. | The topic will help me identify a formula for mathematical modeling that can effectively be used to allocate shifts to nurses throughout the day and for night schedules. | Additional studies on how mathematical modeling improved nurse-staffing levels. | |
| Formulation of a mathematical model for scheduling nurse shift hours promotes harmony as it reconciles duty allocation. | Study does not clarify specific area where the concepts has been applied to warrant its adoption in emergency departments. | Topic is instrumental in identifying methods that nurse leaders can use to increase satisfaction of nurses at the emergency department of a care facility. | Further research on how application of mathematical modeling concept in shift scheduling reduces nurse burnout to optimize care at the emergency department. | |
I would recommend this article for use to inform decision on professional practice at the emergency department of care facilities. This is because the article was published in 2019 and therefore it is relevant for present health practice (Lefebvre et al., 2019). Nonetheless, information present in the material relate with my areas of interest a family nurse practitioner with a specific interest in the emergency care. Notably, findings from the publication provides information to leadership of health organizations on the necessity of scheduling shift days and nights for nurses in ways that guarantee satisfaction for the professionals (Tricco et al., 2018). While this article was intended for emergency department, I would recommend it in all other departments because of its necessity to address shift hours which is always a bone of contention in most care facilities occasioned by shortage of health staff.