Objective of the study: to demonstrate the applicability of theories developed by doctors in the daily practice of nursing.
Methods and sample: routine clinical practice was analysed using the methodology on 92 patients, including administration of the test, conditions of administration, validity of the test (by comparing the findings to those yielded by other methods).
Results: if administered in compliance with the instructions, the test yields suprisingly accurate results. Based on other investigations carried out on indication of the test results, appropriately trained nurses can evaluate the test initially.
Conclusions: if used widely, the test might contributed to delaying, halting or reversing the final development of dementia diagnosed at an early stage. Home care will be possible for a longer period of time, and when institutional placement becomes necessary, costs will decrease substantially. Appropriately nurses can take over some of the duties of the doctors. Appropriately administered and evaluated tests might indicate the need for additional, in some cases costly, procedures (e.g. EEG, CT, MRI).

The silent epidemics -osteoporosis
Both Murguly, K.:

Objective of the study: to identify the depth of knowledge related to osteoporosis, possible lifestyle-related risk factors, their links and the methods of information collection, among women at risk for the development osteoporosis.
Methods and sample: questionnaire survey of women aged over 40 years.
Results: osteoporosis was found to be of endemic proportions. At-risk female population did not have appropriate knowledge about the disease, with 37% of the surveyed women not knowing anything about it. Health services were mentioned as information sources to 14%, whereas the media were mentioned as primary source of information in 76%. Attendance at organised screenings was found to be very low.
Conclusions: In the area of primary prevention, the health services should play a more active role, family practitioners, obstetricians, rheumatologists and osteoporosis clinics should be involved more deeply. Health education should focus more on the importance, symptoms, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis, while at the same time stressing the need for healthy lifestyles.

Physiotherapy in osteoporosis - possibilities in home care
Makovics Landor, E., Éltetõ, A.Cs.

This paper discusses the aetiology, pathomechanism and significance of prevention of osteoporosis. Special emphasis is put on tertiary prevention activities that can be carried out in the frames of home care. The possibilities of team work are stressed, highlighting the relationship between physiotherapist and nurse. Finally, the physiotherapy treatment possibilities in the patients' home are described and practical advice is given to enhance accident-free implementation of nursing activities.

The place and role of the dietician in the prevention
and treatment of osteoporosis
Erdélyi, A.

The dietary habits and factors that might play a role in the development of osteoporosis are reviewed. The contribution of the dietician to the work of the healthcare team is stressed. It is maintained that right dietary practices are only a part of prevention. Diet plays a role both in primary prevention and the treatment of osteoporosis.

back to main page