Evidence in brief 08 February, 2021 The Safer Nursing Care Tool estimates required staffing levels and a study monitored its use in four trusts for a year. This article discusses the study’s findings about the tool’s usefulness and cost-effectiveness Abstract The Safer Nursing Care Tool estimates required staffing levels based on patient acuity and dependency on nursing care. A study has measured its usefulness, including comparing it with professional assessments of staffing needs and the relative cost-effectiveness of different staffing levels. This article discusses the study’s findings, concluding that, although the tool can help hospitals predict staffing requirements, it has limitations and cannot replace professional judgement.