The nursing record is an important medical document and should be comprehensive, accurate, and individualized. In a medical center located in northern Taiwan, nurses have been burdened by redundant postpartum recording in addition to the heavy load of clinical work. The aim of this project was to improve the quality and efficiency of postpartum nursing records on an obstetric ward. The study period was from April 23, 1998 to June 23, 1998. Data were collected using on-site observation and interviews with nurses regarding the current postpartum nursing record. Results revealed that the inadequacy of nursing records related to: 1) poor format and use of clich's, 2) incompleteness or repetition of content, and 3) time required to complete the record. A literature review and evaluation of the current situation were done to develop a "standardized postpartum format of nursing record" (SPFNR). The SPFNR included physical and psychological care of parturient women. After thorough promotion of the SPFNR, education of nurses, and several revisions, the SPFNR was used on an obstetric ward. Results showed an increase of 55.4% completeness compared with previous nursing records. The average time to complete one nursing record was 60 seconds - a reduction of 110 seconds compared with the previous method. Recording time was futher factored as follows: 55 seconds per record for normal spontaneous deliveries which saved 125 seconds, 80 seconds per record for cesarean section deliveries which saved 150 seconds, and 45 seconds per record for daily progress notes which saved 55 seconds. Moreover, 88.6% of nurses felt positive about the SPFNR and thought it improved the accuracy of nursing records. Findings can be used in the clinical setting to improve the comprehensiveness of nursing records, save recording time, and increase nurse satisfaction.