A Delphi-based framework for optimizing nurse staffing in Chinese hospitals

The findings of this study provide empirical evidence and specific recommendations for evaluating, guiding, incentivizing, and improving nursing human resource management practices in China. This study is the first structured Delphi-and AHP-based staffing evaluation system in a Chinese hospital setting. By integrating expert consensus and hierarchical analysis, we have developed a novel framework tailored to China's healthcare needs. This framework significantly contributes to the integrated development of nursing human resource management. Based on the results, we recommend that hospitals implement the evaluation system to regularly monitor and optimize their nursing staffing levels. Moreover, further research may help explore the long-term effects of this system on patient outcomes and nurse retention rates across different hospital settings. Future studies may also examine the adaptability of the evaluation system to various specialties and the potential need for adjustments in specific contexts.