OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of a patient classification instrument as a guide to plan nursing discharge. METHODS: Exploratory descriptive study performed in hospitalization units of Medical and Surgical Practice at a teaching hospital in São José do Rio Preto - SP, Brazil. The sample was made up of 50 patients who received discharge guidance from seven clinical nurses and supervisors. The sample collection occurred in two steps after the record of the discharge guidance, performed by nurses with and without the aid of a classification instrument. RESULTS: The findings show that nurses are more likely to comply with care areas in the psychobiological dimension. However, when they use the instrument, the psychosocial dimension is also benefited. CONCLUSION: The use of a patient classification instrument guided the planning of nursing discharge, enabling a more comprehensive and more thorough identification of care areas that require attention.
Inpatients; Workload; Nursing assessment; Patient discharge
