Development and implementation of a problem-focused neurological assessment system

J Neurosci Nurs. 2003 Aug;35(4):185-92. doi: 10.1097/01376517-200308000-00004.

Abstract

A menu-driven, problem-focused neurological assessment system was constructed and implemented after concerns at a six-hospital teaching center about the quality of nursing assessments for patients with neurological diagnoses were validated. This system enables the physician to guide the nurse's assessment by ordering specific neurological tests for each patient. Extensive staff training took place to develop competence with this system. This new system has resulted in positive changes for this facility. Nurses acknowledge greater comfort with performing neurological assessment; documentation of assessment has improved; and the assessments are becoming more individualized for each patient. This system resulted in a higher quality of neurological care for patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Brain Neoplasms / nursing*
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurologic Examination / methods*
  • Neurologic Examination / standards
  • Nursing Assessment / methods*
  • Nursing Assessment / standards
  • Problem Solving
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Specialties, Nursing / methods*