[Contents of daily reports and nursing practice in 2 homes for the aged]

Many patients in homes for the aged become progressively more disabled and thus constant reevaluation of all their nursing care needs is required. The patients' basic human needs, as well as those related to their diseases, have to be met. The aim of this study was to describe the contents of daily reports in two homes for the aged. The data was collected by tape-recording nursing staff's reports for four weeks period on two wards. The data was analysed by using content analysis. The contents were divided into messages. The results show that most of the discussions concerned daily activities and medical care. Some of the discussions fell within the categories of "patients' opinions" and "mood". Information was situation related. Patient's holistic care or supporting the patient's initiativeness in his daily activities were seldom discussed. The impression given on the nursing practice was task orientated and routinized.