The Teaching of Systematic Physical Assessment in Baccalaureate Nursing Programmes in Canada

Abstract

In 1982 a survey was undertaken for the purpose of describing the direction that Canadian university nursing programmes are taking toward teaching physical assessment and health history skills. Over the past decade in Canada there has been much emphasis on the expanded role of the nurse and on primary health care functions. The skills that are the focus of study in the physical assessment courses are fundamental to this area of practice. Literature Review Nurses have practiced in an expanded role in Northern Canada for many years. During the 1960's and early 1970's, in response to evidence that a great need existed for nurses' educated for roles in primary care, special programmes were designed and implemented (Witter DuGas, 1974). In 1972 the Boudreau Report gave even greater impetus to the educational movement by suggesting that basic nursing education be altered to reflect a broadened concept of nursing practice and, thus, to facilitate the preparation of nurses for primary care. Paralleling this change was a shift in emphasis from illness care to health care.