U.K. study finds low nurse staffing levels directly linked to higher patient mortality

Researchers in the U.K. found each day spent in an RN-understaffed ward over a three-year period conferred a 3% rise in mortality risk, whereas each additional hour of care provided by an RN was associated with a 3% reduction in the chances of dying. In contrast, a high level of nursing assistant staffing didn't reduce mortality risk and in fact was associated with an increased risk for death. The findings have been connected to recent legislative efforts in the U.S. to set clear nurse-to-patient staffing levels.