Modalities of Nursing Care

This refers to the manner in which nursing care is organized and provided. It depends on
the philosophy of the organization, nurse staffing and client population.

Case Method/Total Patient Care

A method of care delivery in which one nurse provides total care for one patient during
an entire work period.

*In case method, the nurse cares for one patient whom the nurse cares for exclusively.
The Case Method evolved into what we now call private duty nursing. It was the first
type of nursing care delivery system.

In Total Patient Care, the nurse is responsible for the total care of the patient during the
nurse’s working shift. The RN is responsible for several patients.

Advantages:

• Consistency in carrying out the nursing care plan

• Patient needs are quickly met as high number of RN hours are spent on the patient
• Relationship based on trust is developed between the RN and the patient’s family

Disadvantage:

• It can be very costly

Modular Nursing (District Nursing)

*A mini- team (2-3 members) approaches to nursing care that allows the professional
nurse more time for planning and coordinating team members; the small nursing team
requires less communication , allowing members better use of their time for direct
patient care activities.

*This is a modification of team and primary nursing. It is a geographical assignment of

patient that encourages continuity of care by organizing a group of staff to work with a
group of patients in the same locale.

Advantages:

• Useful when there are a few Rns

• RNs plan their care

Disadvantage:

• Paraprofessionals do technical aspects of nursing care