Das Pflegeph�nomen "Chronische Verwirrtheit" im Kontext der Diagnose "Demenz"

Abstract

This article is about the results of a literature analysis, focusing on the two questions: 1) What is the understanding of "Chronic confusion"? and 2) How is the nursing diagnosis "Chronic confusion" delineated from the diagnosis "Dementia"? The review is based on the databases CINAHL, MEDLINE and GEROLIT. A review of the literature revealed that there is basic agreement regarding the characteristic "cognitive impairment" but there are differences in the question as to how this cognitive impairment manifests itself in practice. Moreover most authors described socially and emotionally altered behaviors which accompany the phenomenon. There is, however, no clear vision on the status of such socially and emotionally altered behaviors: Do they have to be present for "Chronic confusion" to be diagnosed or not? In addition, it seems inconsistent to include the mild stage of Dementia in the "Chronic confusion" diagnosis. This analysis indicates that much work remains to be done to validate the characteristics of "Chronic confusion". As long as the diagnosis is not clear, imprecise labeling of patients and ineffective interventions cannot be avoided.