The Oncology Acuity Tool: A Reliable, Valid Method for Measuring Patient Acuity for Nurse Assignment Decisions

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Matching nurse assignments with patient acuity has critical implications for providing safe, effective, and efficient care. Despite this, we lack well-established methods for accurate assessment of acuity. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Oncology Acuity Tool (OAT), which is used for determining nurse assignments. Methods: Inter-rater reliability and concurrent validity were assessed via surveys of current users of the tool. Content validity data were collected from expert oncology nurses. Predictive validity was assessed by tracking patients who sustained either of two acute events. Results: Findings included high inter-rater reliability, moderately strong concurrent validity, and moderate content validity. Acuity significantly predicted rapid response team consults but not falls. Conclusions: The OAT demonstrated sufficient reliability and validity for measuring acuity prospectively in this population.