[Basic and technical nursing--two concepts with far-reaching consequences for professional nursing]

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Healthcare Management
• Health Economics

Context:

• Nursing education is increasingly academic, yet clinical practice remains constrained by established organizational models.
• The dichotomy of "basic and technical nursing" (Grund- und Behandlungspflege) significantly impacts hospital workforce dynamics and insurance reimbursement policies.
• The propagation of these terms is evident in standard healthcare management textbooks, influencing industry norms.

Purpose:

• To analyze the widespread adoption of the terms "basic and technical nursing" (Grund- und Behandlungspflege) within healthcare management literature.
• To critically evaluate the consequences of this terminology from a nursing practice perspective.
• To explore the linguistic origins of "Grund- und Behandlungspflege" in German discourse.

Summary:

• This paper examines the pervasive use of "basic and technical nursing" (Grund- und Behandlungspflege) as presented in a key hospital economics textbook.
• It highlights how these terms shape nursing roles and influence financial coverage by social nursing care insurance (Pflegeversicherung).
• The study discusses strong criticisms from nursing professionals regarding the implications of this classification.

Impact:

• The study reveals how specific terminology can impede the integration of advanced nursing science into practice.
• It underscores the need for critical assessment of language used in healthcare management to ensure alignment with nursing values and patient care.
• Understanding the origin and impact of "Grund- und Behandlungspflege" can inform policy and practice to better support nursing's evolving scientific base.