report /ripôrt″/ [L, re + portare, to carry] , 1. (in nursing) the transfer of information from the nurses on one shift to the nurses on the following shift or before the transfer of a patient from one unit to another. Report is given systematically at the time of change of shift. The nurse manager, team leader, or primary nurse conducts the report, summarizing the progress and status of each patient for the nurses who will next assume responsibility for the care. The provider of the information is said to “give report,” and the oncoming staff to “take report.” Report may be given to the assembled oncoming staff, or it may be tape recorded so that staff members can listen to it individually or in a group on their own schedule. 2. (in occupational and physical therapy) the documentation of the evaluation, intervention, or outcome of therapy. Reports are provided to team members, family members, or agencies (e.g., schools or hospitals).
