A qualitative study to develop an instrument for initial nurse assessment.

Complex health care needs focus on accountability and necessity of inclusion of nurses in documenting and monitoring clinical care plans have brought in the concept of initial nurse assessment and nursing process. However, no standardized form exists in the Armed Forces Medical Services to document initial nursing observations while a patient is being admitted in service hospitals. A focus group design was utilized to explore and conceptualize an initial nurse assessment form that may be utilized by service hospitals.