Nurse information needs for efficient care continuity across patient units

Continuity of care can be costly, unless information systems incorporate comprehensive patient data from all types of nursing units. This study identified nurses' communication processes and content needs when receiving patients in a large medical center averaging 3750 patient transfers monthly. A survey of 197 registered nurses in perioperative, intensive care, medical-surgical, outpatient, acute psychiatric, and long-term care settings revealed that some assessment content is considered important to all nurses, although the importance of other information can vary by specialty practice. Cost-benefit implications and planning applications are discussed.