The objectives of this exploratory-descriptive study were to evaluate the applicability of the Nursing Activities Score as an instrument to measure workload in caring for patients classified into the category of high dependency on nursing care and to correlate the obtained mean scores with mean time of assistance proclaimed by the Brazilian Federal Nursing Council. Data was collected to determine the Nursing Activities Score in the period from July 13th to August 1, 2007 through means of consulting the patient charts of those interned in the high dependency ward of an out-patient clinic of a Medical Clinical Unit. Data analysis was performed by descriptive statistics and measure of variability. The instrument was effective for these patients, while the establishment of guidelines was needed for its application. It was concluded that the patient classified as high dependant on nursing care needs on average of 12.3 hours of assistance within a 24-hour period.
Workload; Personnel management; Time management; Nursing; Nursing care
