In order to identify the presence of teamwork, a clear distinction was made between primary and team nursing. This study was carried out on an 18-bed unit specialising in the assessment and treatment of serious mental illness. The unit has operated a system of primary nursing since 1986. The organisation of care Each staff nurse acts as the primary nurse for up to three patients and as an associate nurse for up to three others. The clinical charge nurse acts as the primary nurse for one patient and as associate for two others.
Nursing assistants act as co-workers for up to five patients each.
Nurses who work at night act as night associate nurses for up to six patients. So, there are four nurses in each patient's primary group. Table 1 is a fictional illustration of the way nursing care is organised in the unit. Nurses are directed by the co-ordinator of the shift using a primary nursing list as a guide. The aim of the study was to determine the extent to which continuity of care was facilitated or inhibited by primary nursing.