Continuity of care: a nursing needs assessment instrument

Based on testing of the Uniform Needs Assessment Instrument (UNAI), a nursing needs assessment tool for adult hospitalized patients was integrated into nursing practice. Some content and format changes to the UNAI occurred as a result of the research process. The revised assessment form is called the Nursing Needs Assessment Instrument (NNAI). Community providers, including nursing home and home health care personnel, use the NNAI to derive necessary admission data for assessing patients, planning care, and communicating with other staff regarding patient needs. Instituting an evidence-based practice change in hospital discharge forms enables the next care provider to consistently meet the patient's continuing needs.