Patient intensity in an ambulatory oncology research center: A step forward for the field of ambulatory care - Part II

In the final part of this series, the authors explore the daily use of the Ambulatory Intensity System (AIS) in resource allocation, critical thinking, and other ambulatory settings. In addition to guiding the assignments for direct patient care responsibilities, the system also helps to allocate resources for indirect care activities such as staff development, project time, coordination of care, and others. The process of applying the tool on a daily basis supports making conscious decisions about delegation of tasks to non-nursing personnel. In addition to providing a level of objectivity to the typical charge nurse role, the AIS supports better organization, provides the ability to anticipate prolonged or delayed care due to intensity, and allows for easier distinction between patient care and systems issues. The AIS has been successfully applied in other ambulatory settings including day hospitals and other clinics.