Scottish children’s acuity measurement in paediatric settings (SCAMPS) tool

The Scottish children’s acuity measurement in paediatric settings (SCAMPS) staffing level tool is part of a suite of tools. These tools help NHS Scotland services plan the number of staff they need. 


The tool

The SCAMPS tool is used in children’s inpatient wards across NHS Scotland. It explores and records the variety and complexity of nursing workload.

This tool allows users to record data on:

  • bed occupancy
  • patient dependency
  • additional activity

The tool provides information, and a rWTE for staffing, based on the workload entered. 

How to use this tool

The SCAMPS tool was designed to be used on a daily basis, covering two cycles – day and night. Data for each child or young person, in the ward, is entered for each cycle.

The current national recommendation is to run the tool for a concurrent, two-week period at least once per year.

Use this tool alongside the Professional judgement (PJ) tool.

The outputs from these tools can be used as part of the Common Staffing Method, to inform safe and effective staffing for your service. The following video guides and documents provide information on completing this tool. They provide detailed information from how to log in to how to gather and submit data. 

Resources to support you 

ResourceSourceWhat is it and what is it for
ResourceSource
Healthcare Improvement Scotland 
What is it and what is it for
Step by step guide to background of the SCAMPS Tool and data collection 
ResourceSource
Healthcare Improvement Scotland 
What is it and what is it for
Step by step guide to uploading data onto SSTS platform 
ResourceSource
Healthcare Improvement Scotland 
What is it and what is it for
User guide on using the SCAMPS staffing level tool 
ResourceSource
Healthcare Improvement Scotland 
What is it and what is it for
Printable data capture template  
ResourceSource
TURAS
What is it and what is it for
A variety of learning resources to support understanding workload and workforce planning and the application of the Health and Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Act 2019
ResourceSource
Healthcare Improvement Scotland 
What is it and what is it for
Printable checklist to aid tool run preparation and delivery 
ResourceSource
NHS Lanarkshire
What is it and what is it for
Example of reporting template which looks at each component of the CSM