Evaluating the introduction of primary nursing: the use of a care plan audit.

A care plan audit was carried out as part of an action research project involving the introduction of primary nursing. The audit tool was based on the Roper, Logan and Tierney Activities of Living model and the nursing process. The audit showed that few changes in documentation had taken place as a result of the introduction of primary nursing. The volume of communications had increased but much of this was not documented on care plans. Other positive changes as a result of introducing primary nursing were found, and both patients and nurses were aware of these.