[Patient classification systems and nursing fees].
This is the fourth year of five-year research plan sponsored by the National Science Council. The purpose of this study was to use VGH-T Factor Patient Classification Systems to calculate the following nursing Fees: (1) by using time study for each nursing activity, (2) by experts' opinion for ideal nursing activity time and ideal nursing charge to calculate nursing Fees, (3) by using different insurance payments and National Health Insurance payments to compare nursing Fees for four types of patients. The investigation period started on March 14, 1995, and ended on June 30, 1995. Patient Classification Tool was used in four general surgical units. There were 1,028 patients' data for patients' needs used. Reliability and validity were based on inter-rater reliability and experts' opinion. The results showed: (1) based on nursing time, the nursing Fees for Types 1, 2, 3, 4 were NT$314, 649, 895 and 1214; (2) according to experts' opinion, the nursing Fees for Types 1, 2, 3, 4 were NT$377, 786, 1076 and 1463; (3) according to labor insurance payments, the nursing Fees for Types 1, 2, 3, 4 were NT$351, 767, 1235 and 1780; (4) according to National Health Insurance payments, the Fees for the four types were NT$378, 915, 1390 and 1960. There were significant differences between the four types of patients. There were significant differences between the different calculations of nursing Fees. The results help not only in patient classification, but also help insurance companies with reference to payment for nursing fees.