Pearson 1988b.

Methods	Study design: RCT Unit of allocation: Patient Unit of analysis: Patient Power calculation: Not done Concealment*: Done. Randomisation from opaque sealed envelopes opened after consent Follow‐up*: 96% Blinded assessment*: Done for lenght of stay and discharge destination. Not done for functional status. Baseline*: Significant difference in Clifton Assessment Procedures for the Elderly score favours intervention Reliable outcomes*: Done for length of stay and discharge destinatination. Not clear for functional status. Contamination*. Unlikely ‐ control patients not exposed to NLU Intention to treat analysis*: Not done (treatment group patients dropped if not transferred to NLU)
Participants	Patients post acute admission following stroke, fractured neck of femur or amputation of lower limb assessed as being medically stable and having a remediable nursing need. Mean stay in acute care 10.8 days (treatment group only) Mean age 80.7 years 61% female. Treatment 87 Control 77 96% of patients randomised were followed up to discharge
Interventions	Unit / setting: 16 bedded unit in acute district general hospital Care management: Patients assessed by senior nurse practitioner and medical officer (both had power of veto) care managed and planned by primary nurses. Nursing Team: 10.6 whole time equivalent qualified (RN) nurses and 5.3 Whole Time Equivalents ward orderly (nursing aides) MD team: Social worker, physiotherapist occupational therapy and Dr available on referral in advisory capacity and through weekly team meeting. A part time activity co‐coordinator worked as a member of the team. Education / preparation for staff: Other: Environment attempted to create a 'homely' atmosphere with carpets, a bar, dining table piano etc in a large sitting room. Nurses did not wear uniform Control: usual care in medically managed acute wards and community hospitals
Outcomes	Length of stay Place of discharge Mortality Dependency Life satisfaction Nursing care quality Cost of nursing staff
Notes	Quality score 3/7
Risk of bias
Bias	Authors' judgement	Support for judgement
Allocation concealment?	Low risk	A ‐ Adequate