DRGs and primary nursing: are they compatible?

The diagnosis related groupings (DRGs) prospective pricing reimbursement system is already affecting nursing service budgets and unit level staffing patterns. As cost containment pressures rise, nurse administrators have to seriously reexamine primary nursing as a viable care modality. This article discusses the compatibility of DRGs and primary nursing. Approaches to future research on measuring outcomes to assess the continued use of primary nursing are suggested.