A measure of the severity or complexity of a patient’s condition, often used to determine the level of care and resources required for effective treatment.

Acuity Level:

The classification of a patient’s condition based on factors such as vital signs, symptoms, and overall clinical status, guiding healthcare providers in prioritizing and managing care.

High Acuity:

Refers to patients with complex medical needs, severe symptoms, or critical conditions requiring intensive monitoring and immediate interventions.

Low Acuity:

Describes patients with less severe or stable medical conditions, typically requiring routine care and less intensive interventions.

Nursing Acuity:

The assessment of nursing workload based on the number and complexity of patients, influencing staffing levels and resource allocation on nursing units.

Critical Care:

Specialized medical care provided to patients with life-threatening conditions or high acuity, often delivered in intensive care units (ICUs) or critical care settings.

Acuity Index:

A numerical representation of patient acuity within a healthcare facility, helping to gauge the overall intensity and demand for resources.

Patient Dependency:

The degree to which a patient relies on healthcare professionals for assistance and care, impacting the overall acuity assessment.

Triage:

The process of prioritizing patients based on the severity of their condition, ensuring that those with higher acuity receive timely attention and care.

Acuity Scoring System:

A standardized tool used by healthcare providers to assess and quantify the acuity of patients, aiding in decision-making and resource allocation.

Resource Utilization:

The efficient allocation of healthcare resources, including staff, equipment, and facilities, based on patient acuity levels and care requirements.

Emergency Department Acuity:

The classification of patients in the emergency department based on the urgency and severity of their medical needs, facilitating timely and appropriate care.