G Bartoszek1, G Meyer, R Thiesemann. 1. Fakultät für Gesundheit, Department für Pflegewissenschaft, Arbeitsgruppe Klinische Pflegeforschung, Universität Witten/Herdecke, Stockumer Str. 12, 58453, Witten, Deutschland, Gabriele.Bartoszek@uni-wh.de.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The transparency criteria of the German statutory health insurance on joint contracture prevention have led to controversies about the appropriate assessment, prevention and treatment as well as to various actions in nursing practice. However, appropriate nursing assessments and proven treatment options are lacking so far. It is unclear whether textbooks on nursing reflect these uncertainties. METHODS: Search for textbooks on nursing through internet-based search engines and publisher registers, data extraction by one investigator and control by a second. RESULTS: A total of 35 textbooks with contributions on joint contractures were identified of which 25 included a definition, causes/risk factors are presented in 32 textbooks and assessments are presented in 5 books. Most often positioning into a physiological or functional neutral position and passive moving of limbs are recommended as passive prophylaxis. Recommended therapeutic and preventive options do not differ. None of the textbooks reflect that there is a lack of scientific knowledge on the subject. CONCLUSION: Textbooks on nursing do not deal with complete and scientific sound information on joint contractures.
BACKGROUND: The transparency criteria of the German statutory health insurance on joint contracture prevention have led to controversies about the appropriate assessment, prevention and treatment as well as to various actions in nursing practice. However, appropriate nursing assessments and proven treatment options are lacking so far. It is unclear whether textbooks on nursing reflect these uncertainties. METHODS: Search for textbooks on nursing through internet-based search engines and publisher registers, data extraction by one investigator and control by a second. RESULTS: A total of 35 textbooks with contributions on joint contractures were identified of which 25 included a definition, causes/risk factors are presented in 32 textbooks and assessments are presented in 5 books. Most often positioning into a physiological or functional neutral position and passive moving of limbs are recommended as passive prophylaxis. Recommended therapeutic and preventive options do not differ. None of the textbooks reflect that there is a lack of scientific knowledge on the subject. CONCLUSION: Textbooks on nursing do not deal with complete and scientific sound information on joint contractures.