[Standardised assessment instruments in the light of hermeneutics]

The use of standardised assessment instruments as part of evidence based practice is the logic result of its scientific foundation. The aim of this article is to show that the quality of assessments depends not only on the instrument itself but also on how it is applied. It is argued that the use of generalized insights in assessing an individual situation requires a multidimensional approach of interpretation. For this purpose the results of an assessment are defined as a text demanding interpretation based on three hermeneutic circles. Firstly, as a text in the context of the nurse's experience; secondly, as a text in the context of evidence; and thirdly, as a text in the context of the client's Lebenswelt. The main result is that the use of standardized assessment instruments asks for more attention regarding aspects of clients' Lebenswelten both in nursing science and nursing practice. This is particularly important for the comprehension of the meaning of illness and its related phenomena.