Clinical outcomes for nurse-led in-patient care.

An earlier paper described an in-patient population that was identified as potentially able to benefit from nurse-managed in-patient care. This paper describes a pilot experimental study aimed at measuring the impact of transfer to a nurse-led unit. Outcomes for 71 patients considered for transfer to the nurse-led ward were compared with a control group of 48 patients who remained under medically managed care for the duration of their stay. Large but non-significant improvements in length of stay were found in the treatment group. There was a significantly lower incidence of pressure sores, urinary tract infections and chest infections. There were no differences in mortality. The author urges a cautious interpretation of results and emphasises the need for replication.