Entry-instrument used in the patient's evaluation in a post-anaesthetic recovery room - a matter of great concern: care continuity

Objective: To know the nurses' evaluation about the continuity of nursing care. Methods: Fifty-nine nurses from two Hospitals (I and II) were interviewed. The questions addressed the following issues: the difficulties they face to obtain the necessary information to provide patient care in the immediate post-operative period; what is the best strategy to receive information related to this period; and what is their evaluation about the entry-instrument of the post anaesthetic recovery. Results: Difficulties in Hospital I: the instrument was often not included in the patient record and changing shifts over the telephone. Hospital II: incomplete completion of the instrument. Best strategy in Hospital I: entry-instrument associated to the shift change over the telephone. Hospital II: to aggregate the several means of information. Both groups evaluated the entry instrument and reported that it helps in the planning because it is a way to document patient care. They considered the aspects contained in the instrument as important and pertinent. Conclusions: This instrument consists of an efficient strategy for patient care continuity, in spite of the difficulties described above.