Several methods of assignment are used to plan for patient care in a hospital.

These methods are the traditional methods and the in advanced methods.

I- The traditional methods

1. Case method.

2. Functional method.

3. Team method.

4. Modular nursing.

5. Primary nursing method.

II- The advanced method

Case management

I- The traditional methods:

1. CASE METHOD:

It is the oldest patient care delivery method. In this method one professional

nurse assumes total responsibility of providing complete care for one or more

patients (1-6) while she is on duty. This method is used frequently in intensive

care units and in teaching nursing students.

Advantages

 High degree of autonomy

 Lines of responsibility and accountability are clear

 Patient receives holistic, unfragmented care

Disadvantages

 Each RN may have a different approach to care

 Not cost-effective

 Lack of RN availability

2. FUNCTIONAL METHOD:

Emerged during 1950s, due to shortage of nurses. This method focuses on

getting the greatest amount of tasks in the least time. In this method, the

nursing care is divided into tasks and each staff member is assigning to

perform one or two tasks for all patients in the unit according to the level of

skill required for performance as follows:

ï‚· Registered professional nurses:

Responsible for administering medication to all unit patients, another for

changing dressings and administering ordered treatments (such as

postural drainage or warm compresses) for all patients.

ï‚· Technical nurses:

Responsible for taking vital signs and recording intake and output for all

patients in the unit, while another might be giving baths to all bedridden

patients.

ï‚· Nurse aides:

Responsible for making beds for all ambulatory patients and assisting

mobility-impaired patients to move in bed or walk in the hall.

ï‚· Unit clerk:

Responsible for answering telephone, delivering messages, recording

admissions and discharges, etc.

Patient Care Delivery System 5

Advantages:

Advantages:

 Care is provided economically and efficiently

 Minimum number of RNs required, so it is efficient when

there is a shortage in the staff or there is limited number of

professional nurses

 Tasks are completed quickly

 Useful in emergency situations.

Disadvantages:

 Care may be fragmented

 Patient may be confused with many care providers

 Caregivers feel unchallenged

 Lack of communication among the different persons who

care for the patient.

 Neglecting the humanity of the patient and the individual