Asian Journal of Medical Principles and Clinical Practice

This study assessed registered nurses’ knowledge and perceptions of the Patient Acuity Tool (PAT) and examined their relationship with self-assessed patient outcomes in acute care settings in Houston, Texas, United States. A quantitative descriptive-comparative-correlational design was used. The study included 415 registered nurses from four acute care hospitals selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographic and professional characteristics, PAT knowledge, perceptions of tool use, and self-assessed patient outcomes. The instrument demonstrated acceptable content validity (Aiken’s V = 0.77) and excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.940). Data were analysed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, independent-samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and Pearson product-moment correlation, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. The findings showed limited overall knowledge of PAT use, with an overall knowledge score of 46.1%. Nurses were more accurate in identifying acuity in clear safety-related scenarios than in complex postoperative or specialised clinical situations. Respondents reported a neutral perception of PAT (overall mean = 3.31), while self-assessed patient outcomes were rated favourably (overall mean = 3.41). Significant differences were found according to years of nursing experience, perception of tool use, and self-assessed patient outcomes. Perception of PAT was positively associated with self-assessed patient outcomes, whereas knowledge showed weak negative correlations with perceptions and self-assessed outcomes. The findings indicate the need for targeted training, mentorship, and organisational support to improve consistent and effective use of acuity-based staffing tools.