The project's broad objective was to improve patient care through the development of a manual or computer-assisted tool for assessing patient health/illness status and recording essential information throughout a period of care. The project sought contributions from practicing nurses in identifying the descriptive clinical information needed to give excellent patient care. Essential information was then organized into nursing assessment forms adaptable to machine processing. Chapter one introduces the philosophy, objectives, and scope of the study. The past, current, changing, and future role of the nurse is considered in chapter two. Chapter three describes computer technology in medical institutions. The developmental process of the project, including testing and revision of nursing assessment forms, is reviewed in chapter four. Chapter five presents preparations for computer applications. Chapter six presents the summary, conclusions, applications and recommendations. Content of the assessment tools was considered appropriate to decisions made in developing a plan of care, but a more extensive study to establish validity of terms and adequacy of data is recommended. Nursing assessment forms and manuals for hospitalized patients and community health are included. Also appended are a description of study hospitals and agencies, members of committees, and community health concepts. (Author/NH)