Table 4 Summary recommendations for enhancing the WISN methodology
No | Recommendation | Specific recommendations |
|---|---|---|
1 | Review the WISN software to | Permit direct data importation from other information systems Create an option of server-based data entry Include data analysis functions Capture qualitative data to enable users to explain the results Make the software open source so that it can be further developed and easily customized by users Enable the software to project future workload as an “add-in” to the existing software (version 2.2.170.1) to promote widespread use |
2 | Review the WHO’s WISN User’s Manual to include | Guidance on how to conduct WISN assessments in secondary and tertiary hospitals Description of how to set activity standards for bedside nursing activities More practical examples for each of the WISN technical steps Practical tools and templates for example, checklists for collecting data, and interview guides for the expert group discussions Examples of activity standards, AWT, and workload components used in other WISN studies Guidance on how to determine staffing requirements for support, administrative, and community health workers A section on how to advocate for the use of WISN results |
3 | Review the WISN training | Include mini/pilot studies in the training for the technical team to prepare them for the complexities of WISN implementation |
4 | Advocate for the WISN methodology | Conduct and widely disseminate impact assessment studies linking WISN to improved quality of care and health outcomes Share experiences how the WISN methodology was institutionalized in some countries and its impact |
5 | Advocate for improvements of data systems | Strengthen existing systems to ensure accurate data Establish a system for tracking staff absences |