The changing health care system: neuroscience nursing practice in the 1990s

Radical changes in the health care system, including the paradigm shift from an acute to chronic illness model, and advances in managing major neuroscience patient populations are redefining neuroscience nursing practice in the 1990s. For example, advances in management mean that many more neurotrauma patients and patients with cerebrovascular disorders survive. Once stabilized, illness may become chronic and require long-term management. There are also promising developments in managing major neurological diseases. The decade of the 90s will require more collaboration, new practice models and a greater focus on rehabilitation. Research and education must support practice in reshaping neuroscience nursing.