Continuity of nursing care: a concept for application based on assessment of nursing needs for discharged surgical patients

ABSTRACT

The study was carried out to evaluate the nursing needs of discharged surgical patients in the Main University Hospital of Alexandria. A total of 156 surgical patients were interviewed using an appraisal tool to determine their nursing needs. The findings revealed that slightly more than one third [54] of the sample needed continuity of care upon discharge. About half of them needed health teaching and supervision, direct nursing care and observation and rehabilitation and exercises. The rest of the needs were in the following order further therapy and investigation, special nursing procedures, attendance to emotional and social problems, special needs such as geriatric care and associated medical conditions. The hospital only identified the needs of 20 patients. Their main recognition was for further therapy and investigations. However, they had other nursing needs that were identified by this study. The study also showed that nursing needs differed according to the type of operations and illnesses. The study recommended the development of a referral system to provide continuity of care for discharged hospital patients