Table 3 .

Description of paper-based nursing process documentation before the introduction of a computer-based documentation system on the four study wards

	Previous paper-based nursing process documentation procedures
Ward A, Ward B	Nursing anamnesis and extensive care planning is conducted after admission of the patients. Planned tasks are documented daily. Nursing reports are usually written at least three times a day. Nursing documentation is only carried out in the ward office.
Ward C	A short nursing anamnesis and reduced care planning (containing only planned tasks) is conducted after admission of the patients. Planned tasks are documented daily. Nursing reports are usually written at least three times a day. Nursing documentation is done both in the ward office and in the patients’ room.
Ward D	Nursing anamnesis and reduced care planning (containing only planning of some standardized tasks necessary for staff planning) is conducted after admission of the patients. Planned tasks are documented daily. Nursing reports are usually written at least three times a day. Nursing documentation is mostly done in the nurses’ room, but also sometimes in the patients’ room.