Niederberger-Burgherr J
Pflege. 1995 Sep;8(3):236-42.
Working conditions of community health nurses were investigated with the assistance of patient education rating. The subject of the study was: "Is it possible for community health nurses to perform the activity of patient education completely? Are there conditions for patient education which allow only a partial activity? How do community health nurses experience the weak points at their work-place in community health nursing?" Industrial psychology developed an activity rating system (TBS), which has been completed by the observations made by community health nurses during patient education and checked in interviews. The criteria of complete and incomplete activity and the experience of the community health nurses concerning patient education have been collected, analysed and interpreted. The analysis and rating of patient education carried out by community health nurses enables conclusions to be drawn about the whole system (structure of organisational activity and individuals approach). The unclear definition of the activity of patient education is the reason why the quality of the activity is insufficient. The role of the community health nurse is vague for herself, the employer and the patient. The organisational structure lacks professional support, which is indicated for community health nurses in the education of patients who have to deal with the challenges of illness. Inter-connected organisational and personnel development is recommended, to motivate the staff, promote the efficiency and improve the quality of the work.
