Carga de trabalho de Enfermagem em uma Unidade de Acidente Vascular Cerebral de um hospital terciário e de referência

Abstract

Introduction: The nursing workload in high-complexity units is influenced by patient severity and high demand, as observed in cerebrovascular diseases. Investigating this workload is essential to optimize resources, ensure safe care, and meet the needs of critically ill neurological patients. Materials and Methods: This quantitative and descriptive study was conducted in a stroke unit of a university hospital in Minas Gerais, Brazil, using the Fugulin scale to evaluate the nursing workload in 385 patients between January and June 2024. Data were collected anonymously and analyzed statistically to identify patterns of care complexity and workload demands. Results: The predominance of patients requiring semi-intensive and high- dependence care reflects a unit characterized by a high demand for nursing attention and care, essential to ensure clinical therapies and support patients' daily activities. Discussion: The nursing workload in tertiary units, particularly in the care of neurological patients such as those with stroke, is elevated due to the high dependence and complexity of care. This scenario demands continuous monitoring, precise planning, and adequate team staffing to provide safe and efficient care. Conclusion: The need for further studies on the impact of these factors on professional well-being and patient outcomes is evident, as the literature remains limited on this topic in high-complexity settings. This research contributes to improving team management in tertiary hospitals, especially in high-demand sectors such as stroke patient care.