Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Assessment of Dependence in Activities of Daily Living Among Older Patients in an Acute Care Unit
Published on: September 30, 2020
An act of caring - patient diaries in Norwegian intensive care units
Eva Gjengedal1, Sissel Lisa Storli, Anny Norlemann Holme
1Section of Nursing Science, Department of Public Health and Primary Health Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. eve.gjengedal@isf.uib.no
Aim:
The aim of this study was to obtain more knowledge about the background, extent and implementation of diaries in Norwegian intensive care units (ICUs) providing mechanical ventilation to adult patients.
Background:
The growing understanding of long-term consequences of intensive care therapy has compelled nurses to introduce patient diaries to prevent problems after discharge from ICU. Research on this practice is limited.
Design/Method:
The study had a qualitative descriptive design, and was conducted by means of semi-structured telephone interviews with 30 participants, all experienced intensive care nurses. The strategy of analysis was a template organizing style.
Findings:
The findings show that 31 out of 70 ICUs offer patient diaries, and many units have a long history of diary writing. Most of the units have some kind of guidelines, and the study has shown that diaries serve dual purposes; one of caring and another of therapy. Although these two dimensions seemingly present a paradox from a theoretical point of view, a combination appears to be at work in clinical practice. This may be explained by a tendency in nursing to regard caring as superior to therapy. The writing frequency varies, and the units that reported high activity provided follow-up programs in addition to diary writing. Diary writing as a nursing intervention is threatened by a lack of funding.
Related Concept Videos
Patient-centered Care
Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Long-Term Care Facilities
Guidelines for Nursing Documentation II
Timely documentation is crucial to ensure continuity of care for patients. Any delays in recording or reporting medical information can result in medical errors and even adverse patient outcomes. From medication administration to diagnostic test results, every detail must be accurately and promptly documented to provide the best possible care for patients.
Formats for Nursing Documentation
Nursing Assessment Form:
• A nursing assessment form is a foundational document that captures detailed patient data from physical assessments and nursing histories.
• It includes patient demographics, medical history, current medications, vital...
Flow Sheet
Here's a closer look at the examples of flowsheets commonly used by nurses:
Graphic Sheet Documentation:
Methods of Documentation III: PIE