Review of much of the overseas literature indicates they record patient vital signs in recovery 5 minutely for the first 15 minutes then every 10 minutes
we in SA record vital signs routinely every 15 minutes does anyone have any evidence or any comment re this discrepency?

Not sure that there is much 'evidence' to suggest the documented assessment times.
The whole process of documenting of vital signs only demonstrates that a set of vital signs (SOC, HR, BP, SpO2, Sed & Pain scores etc) was done. It will not demonstrate all the variations & detection / prevention of postoperative complications (patient/surgery/anaesthetic) that occur.
I would think that a process of 'continuous assessing & monitoring' may be more appropriate - given that some PAR units have electronic systems this might be an appropriate option.

However, 5 minutely for first 15 minutes then 10 minutely there after would certainly increase the patient assessment workloads for the PAR nurse - whould this help change the staffing requirements away from ANZCA to ACORN levels??