Final answer:
Facility staffing should be based on PPD standards, facility acuity levels, Medicaid mix, and minimum state staffing hours. Using a problem-solution reasoning strategy can aid in demonstrating staffing inadequacies and advocate for appropriate adjustments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Facility staffing levels should be determined based on several factors to ensure that patient care needs are adequately met. Staffing must be aligned with PPD standards, which refer to patient per day ratios that dictate the number of staff needed based on the volume of patient care required. Additionally, staffing should consider the acuity levels in the facility, meaning that the more complex and severe the patient conditions, the more staff may be needed.
Facility mix for Medicaid also plays a role in staffing as it influences the financial resources available and may affect the capacity to hire and retain staff. Lastly, facilities must adhere to minimum state staffing hours which are regulations set by the state that establish the lowest allowable staffing levels to maintain patient safety and care standards.
When discussing staffing issues, we can use a problem-solution reasoning strategy to highlight specific points and support them with evidence. For instance, long wait times may indicate inadequate staffing; evidence like a statement from campus counselor Kay Payne mentioning a 10-day wait for an appointment substantiates this. Furthermore, high prevalence of mental health issues within the student community, with 75 percent of surveyed students acknowledging mental health concerns, suggests the need for more specialized staff. Lastly, an excessively high staff-to-student ratio, which surpasses the recommended levels by the International Accreditation of Counseling Services, highlights the need for increased staffing to better meet student needs.