Copy of author's previously published work inserted. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 273-283). Aims to identify if the current practice of post-operative vital sign collection detects complications in the first 24 hours after the patient has returned to the general ward setting using a combination of methods within a triangulated approach to data collection.

Includes bibliographical references. Electronic publication: Fulltext available in PDF format; abstract in HTML format. The nursing practice of monitoring patients in the post-operative (PO) phase upon returning to the general ward setting has traditionally consisted of the systematic collection of vital signs and observation of other aspects of the patient's recovery. For the most part the primary focus of this monitoring has been the detection of post-operative complications. There is a need for more substantive evidence to support an appropriate frequency of post-operative observation. The aim of this research was to identify if the current practice of PO vital sign collection detects PO complications in the first 24 hours after the patient has returned to the general ward setting. Due to the complex world in which nurses practice the research was undertaken using a combination of methods within a triangulated approach to collect data. Electronic reproduction.[Australia] :Australian Digital Theses Program,2001.