Integrative literature review of patient classification tools for nursing intensity evaluation: Focusing on comparison of South Korean and international tools

Aim: This study aimed to review the literature on patient classification tools (PCTs) for assessing nursing strength and to compare South Korean and international tools. Design: Integrative literature review. Methods: We searched the relevant literature published from 2000-2017 in PubMed and two electronic databases in Korea in March 2017. Twenty-five published studies were reviewed. Results: In most Korean studies, patients were classified by PCT, which were tested to ensure validity and reliability, followed by measurement of nursing time and development of the conversion index. In international studies, PCTs used were simpler than those in Korean studies; the results of estimation for optimum nurse staffing were reported. Most studies insufficiently reflected indirect nursing needs and patients' non-clinical factors. The current PCTs used in Korean studies inadequately reflect the reality of nursing field. Therefore, development of new PCTs reflecting nursing intensity based on direct and indirect nursing activities is necessary.