Hospital and community liaison links in nursing: the role of the liaison nurse

Since the 1960s there has been an awareness ofa ‘care‐gap’ when patients are transferred between hospital and home. In the United Kingdom, attempts to improve continuity of eare have included the development of the role of the hospital/community liaison nurse. The liaison role has evolved in different ways and no systematic evaluation has occurred. This paper reports the findings of an exploratory study into the structure and process of the liaison role. It is suggested that the role is effective in enhancing continuity of care, but that modifications accompanied by educational and organizational changes would improve current practice.