A charting method developed to follow a patient’s problems, needs, and nursing diagnoses throughout the hospital stay. In the nursing assessment, patient’s needs are identified and a care plan is written, with numbers assigned to each problem. Problems are numbered in the order they occur, not in priority. Documentation of routine care is reduced by reference to protocols instead of writing out each action. Nursing notes follow the patient’s problems by number, with narrative notes supplemented by flow sheets or checklists. Notes document ongoing evaluation of the care plan, in addition to actions taken and patient responses. Resolution of a problem is noted and dated.